Correct Answers
Which of the following is a clinical manifestation of hypokalemia?
a) Oliguria
b) irritability
c) soft flabby muscles
d) Abdominal cramping - correct answersc) Soft flabby muscles
Following bowel surgery, a patient has been receiving normal saline intravenous (IV) fluids at 100 mL per
hour; has a nasogastric tube attached to low, intermittent suction; and is on nothing by mouth (NPO)
status. Which of the following assessment findings would alert the nurse to a major fluid and electrolyte
problem?
a. Flushed, moist skin
b. A decreasing level of consciousness (LOC)
c. A serum sodium level of 138 mmol/L
d. Weight gain - correct answersb) decreasing level of conciousness
, What is the most reliable index of volume status when caring for a patient with a fluid imbalance?
a. Skin turgor
b. Daily weight patterns
c. Hourly urinary output
d. Presence of edema - correct answersb) daily weight patterns
When monitoring the fluid and electrolyte status of the older adult, what does the nurse recognize that
impairment of the thirst mechanism may lead to?
a. Decreased production of ADH
b. Cellular edema
c. Hyperosmolality
d. Isotonic fluid deficit - correct answers
A patient is taking hydrochlorothiazide, a potassium-wasting diuretic, for treatment of hypertension.
What symptoms should the nurse teach the patient to report?
a. Fatigue and muscle weakness
b. Anxiety and muscle twitching
c. Abdominal cramping and diarrhea
d. Confusion and personality changes - correct answersa) fatigue and muscle weakness
What is the best area to assess for skin turgor in the older adult?
a. Sternum
b. Forearm
c. Thigh
d. Upper arm - correct answersa) sternum