ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCES GALEN
COLLEGE NURSING 2026 STUDY
GUIDE COMPREHENSIVE
QUESTIONS ANSWERS VERIFIED A+
◉ S/S Fluid Overload.
Answer: -Changes in pulse rate and respiratory rate
-Lung sounds-crackles
-Edema
-Weight gain
-Neck and hand vein distention
-Confusion
-Decreased Hgb, Hct, and Protein
◉ Sodium (Na).
Answer: 135-145 mEq/L
◉ Causes of Hyponatremia.
Answer: Diuretics
GI fluid loss/ suction
Diet
◉ S/S Hyponatremia.
, Answer: S tupor/coma
A norexia, N&V
L ethargy
T endon reflexes decreased
L imp muscles (weakness)
O rthostatic hypotension
S eizures/headache
S tomach cramping
◉ Tx of Hyponatremia.
Answer: - give Na
- pt does not need water
- if having neuro problems: needs hypertonic saline (3% or 5% NS)
◉ Causes of Hypernatremia.
Answer: MODEL:
Medications, meals
Osmotic diuretics
Diabetes insipidus
Excessive water loss
Low water intake
COLLEGE NURSING 2026 STUDY
GUIDE COMPREHENSIVE
QUESTIONS ANSWERS VERIFIED A+
◉ S/S Fluid Overload.
Answer: -Changes in pulse rate and respiratory rate
-Lung sounds-crackles
-Edema
-Weight gain
-Neck and hand vein distention
-Confusion
-Decreased Hgb, Hct, and Protein
◉ Sodium (Na).
Answer: 135-145 mEq/L
◉ Causes of Hyponatremia.
Answer: Diuretics
GI fluid loss/ suction
Diet
◉ S/S Hyponatremia.
, Answer: S tupor/coma
A norexia, N&V
L ethargy
T endon reflexes decreased
L imp muscles (weakness)
O rthostatic hypotension
S eizures/headache
S tomach cramping
◉ Tx of Hyponatremia.
Answer: - give Na
- pt does not need water
- if having neuro problems: needs hypertonic saline (3% or 5% NS)
◉ Causes of Hypernatremia.
Answer: MODEL:
Medications, meals
Osmotic diuretics
Diabetes insipidus
Excessive water loss
Low water intake