NCLEX Practice: Fluid and Electrolytes Question & Answers
What is the nurse's primary concern regarding fluid & electrolytes when caring for an elderly pt who is
intermittently confused?
1. risk of dehydration
2. risk of kidney damage
3. risk of stroke
4. risk of bleeding
Answer: 1
Rationale 1: As an adult ages, the thirst mechanism declines. Adding this in a pt with an altered level of
consciousness, there is an increased risk of dehydration & high serum osmolality.
Rationale 2: The risks for kidney damage are not specifically related to aging or fluid & electrolyte issues.
Rationale 3: The risk of stroke is not specifically related to aging or fluid & electrolyte issues.
Rationale 4: The risk of bleeding is not specifically related to aging or fluid & electrolyte issues.
What is the nurse's primary concern regarding fluid & electrolytes when caring for an elderly pt who is
intermittently confused?
1. risk of dehydration
2. risk of kidney damage
3. risk of stroke
4. risk of bleeding
Answer: 1
Rationale 1: As an adult ages, the thirst mechanism declines. Adding this in a pt with an altered level of
consciousness, there is an increased risk of dehydration & high serum osmolality.
Rationale 2: The risks for kidney damage are not specifically related to aging or fluid & electrolyte issues.
Rationale 3: The risk of stroke is not specifically related to aging or fluid & electrolyte issues.
Rationale 4: The risk of bleeding is not specifically related to aging or fluid & electrolyte issues.
