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NR 283 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: FLUID,
ELECTROLYTE & ACID-BASE BALANCE –
COMPLETE 200 Q&A EXAM REVIEW WITH
RATIONALES
A comprehensive, verified exam preparation
guide featuring 200 questions with detailed
rationales, mnemonics, and clinical
applications covering all fluid, electrolyte, and
acid-base disorders for nursing students.
NR 283 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: FLUID,
ELECTROLYTE AND ACID-BASE BALANCE EXAM
– QUESTIONS AND ☑VERIFIED ANSWERS
Verified Questions with Detailed Rationales |
Latest Update 2026/2027
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SECTION 1: FLUID & ELECTROLYTE BALANCE
Question 1
A patient has a serum sodium of 128 mEq/L.
Which finding is expected?
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: Lethargy, confusion,
muscle cramps.
Rationale: Hyponatremia (<135 mEq/L) causes
cellular swelling including cerebral edema,
leading to neurological symptoms such as
confusion, lethargy, and muscle cramps. Sodium
is the primary electrolyte responsible for
neurological function .
Question 2
Which IV fluid is considered isotonic?
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☑VERIFIED ANSWER: 0.9% Normal Saline.
Rationale: Isotonic fluids have the same
osmolality as plasma, expanding extracellular
fluid (ECF) without shifting fluid between
compartments. Other isotonic solutions include
Lactated Ringer's and D5W in some contexts .
Question 3
A patient with congestive heart failure (CHF)
presents with peripheral edema and crackles.
What is the priority intervention?
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: Administer furosemide as
ordered.
Rationale: Loop diuretics reduce preload by
promoting fluid excretion, relieving pulmonary
congestion and peripheral edema. The edema
in heart failure results from increased capillary
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hydrostatic pressure due to reduced cardiac
output and venous congestion .
Question 4
Which electrolyte imbalance is considered
MOST life-threatening?
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: Hyperkalemia (>5.5
mEq/L).
Rationale: Hyperkalemia causes cardiac
conduction abnormalities, peaked T waves, and
can progress to ventricular fibrillation and
cardiac arrest. This is a medical emergency
requiring immediate intervention .
Question 5
A patient with prolonged vomiting develops
metabolic alkalosis. Which electrolyte is lost?
NR 283 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: FLUID,
ELECTROLYTE & ACID-BASE BALANCE –
COMPLETE 200 Q&A EXAM REVIEW WITH
RATIONALES
A comprehensive, verified exam preparation
guide featuring 200 questions with detailed
rationales, mnemonics, and clinical
applications covering all fluid, electrolyte, and
acid-base disorders for nursing students.
NR 283 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: FLUID,
ELECTROLYTE AND ACID-BASE BALANCE EXAM
– QUESTIONS AND ☑VERIFIED ANSWERS
Verified Questions with Detailed Rationales |
Latest Update 2026/2027
,2
SECTION 1: FLUID & ELECTROLYTE BALANCE
Question 1
A patient has a serum sodium of 128 mEq/L.
Which finding is expected?
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: Lethargy, confusion,
muscle cramps.
Rationale: Hyponatremia (<135 mEq/L) causes
cellular swelling including cerebral edema,
leading to neurological symptoms such as
confusion, lethargy, and muscle cramps. Sodium
is the primary electrolyte responsible for
neurological function .
Question 2
Which IV fluid is considered isotonic?
,3
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: 0.9% Normal Saline.
Rationale: Isotonic fluids have the same
osmolality as plasma, expanding extracellular
fluid (ECF) without shifting fluid between
compartments. Other isotonic solutions include
Lactated Ringer's and D5W in some contexts .
Question 3
A patient with congestive heart failure (CHF)
presents with peripheral edema and crackles.
What is the priority intervention?
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: Administer furosemide as
ordered.
Rationale: Loop diuretics reduce preload by
promoting fluid excretion, relieving pulmonary
congestion and peripheral edema. The edema
in heart failure results from increased capillary
, 4
hydrostatic pressure due to reduced cardiac
output and venous congestion .
Question 4
Which electrolyte imbalance is considered
MOST life-threatening?
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: Hyperkalemia (>5.5
mEq/L).
Rationale: Hyperkalemia causes cardiac
conduction abnormalities, peaked T waves, and
can progress to ventricular fibrillation and
cardiac arrest. This is a medical emergency
requiring immediate intervention .
Question 5
A patient with prolonged vomiting develops
metabolic alkalosis. Which electrolyte is lost?
