,NUR104 Foundations of Nursing Exam 4 Study
Guide & 150 Practice Questions Fortis College
2026/2027
1. A nurse is reviewing the movement of water and electrolytes between body fluid
compartments. Which of the following is the primary cation in the extracellular fluid (ECF)?
A. Potassium
B. Sodium
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Correct Answer: B. Sodium
Rationale: Sodium is the primary cation (positively charged ion) in the extracellular fluid, where
it plays a major role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve impulse conduction, and muscle
contraction. Potassium is the primary intracellular cation. Calcium and magnesium are
important cations but are not the primary ones in the ECF.
2. A nurse is assessing a client's fluid balance. Which measurement is the most accurate
indicator of fluid status?
,A. Intake and output records
B. Daily weight
C. Skin turgor
D. Blood pressure
Correct Answer: B. Daily weight
Rationale: Daily weight is the most accurate indicator of fluid status. The client should be
weighed at the same time each day, on the same scale, wearing the same amount of clothing.
Intake and output records, skin turgor, and blood pressure are also important but less precise.
3. A nurse is assessing a client for dehydration. Which finding should the nurse expect?
A. Moist mucous membranes
B. Poor skin turgor (tenting)
C. Increased urine output
D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: B. Poor skin turgor (tenting)
, Rationale: Poor skin turgor (tenting) is a sign of dehydration. Other signs include dry mucous
membranes, decreased urine output, weight loss, and thirst.
4. A nurse is assessing a client for fluid volume excess (fluid overload). Which finding should the
nurse expect?
A. Dry mucous membranes
B. Edema
C. Decreased urine output
D. Weight loss
Correct Answer: B. Edema
Rationale: Edema (swelling) is a sign of fluid volume excess. Other signs include weight gain,
increased urine output (if the kidneys are functioning), crackles in the lungs, and jugular vein
distention.
5. A nurse is reviewing normal serum electrolyte values. What is the normal range for serum
sodium?
Guide & 150 Practice Questions Fortis College
2026/2027
1. A nurse is reviewing the movement of water and electrolytes between body fluid
compartments. Which of the following is the primary cation in the extracellular fluid (ECF)?
A. Potassium
B. Sodium
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Correct Answer: B. Sodium
Rationale: Sodium is the primary cation (positively charged ion) in the extracellular fluid, where
it plays a major role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve impulse conduction, and muscle
contraction. Potassium is the primary intracellular cation. Calcium and magnesium are
important cations but are not the primary ones in the ECF.
2. A nurse is assessing a client's fluid balance. Which measurement is the most accurate
indicator of fluid status?
,A. Intake and output records
B. Daily weight
C. Skin turgor
D. Blood pressure
Correct Answer: B. Daily weight
Rationale: Daily weight is the most accurate indicator of fluid status. The client should be
weighed at the same time each day, on the same scale, wearing the same amount of clothing.
Intake and output records, skin turgor, and blood pressure are also important but less precise.
3. A nurse is assessing a client for dehydration. Which finding should the nurse expect?
A. Moist mucous membranes
B. Poor skin turgor (tenting)
C. Increased urine output
D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: B. Poor skin turgor (tenting)
, Rationale: Poor skin turgor (tenting) is a sign of dehydration. Other signs include dry mucous
membranes, decreased urine output, weight loss, and thirst.
4. A nurse is assessing a client for fluid volume excess (fluid overload). Which finding should the
nurse expect?
A. Dry mucous membranes
B. Edema
C. Decreased urine output
D. Weight loss
Correct Answer: B. Edema
Rationale: Edema (swelling) is a sign of fluid volume excess. Other signs include weight gain,
increased urine output (if the kidneys are functioning), crackles in the lungs, and jugular vein
distention.
5. A nurse is reviewing normal serum electrolyte values. What is the normal range for serum
sodium?
