Chapter 30 Fluids and Electrolytes
Sealock Lilley’s Pharmacology for Canadian Health Care Practice
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which blood product is indicated to increase clotting factor levels in patients with a demonstrated
deficiency?
a. Cryoprecipitate
b. Fresh frozen plasma
c. Packed red blood cells
d. Plasma protein fractions
ANS B
Fresh frozen plasma is indicated to increase clotting factor levels in patients with a demonstrated
deficiency.
DIF Cognitive Level Knowledge
2. Potassium supplements are contraindicated in patients with a history of which condition?
a. Burns
b. Diarrhea
c. Kidney disease
d. Cardiac tachydysrhythmias
ANS C
Potassium supplements are contraindicated in the presence of severe kidney disease. Patients with
hypokalemia due to burns or diarrhea and patients with cardiac tachydysrhythmias may be treated with
potassium supplements. Potassium supplements are contraindicated in patients with severe kidney
disease.
DIF Cognitive Level Comprehension
3. During a blood transfusion, a patient begins to report chills and back pain. Which action is appropriate
for the nurse to take?
, a. Observe for other symptoms.
b. Slow the infusion rate and monitor vital signs.
c. Discontinue the infusion immediately and notify the physician.
d. Tell the patient that the symptoms are a normal reaction to the blood product.
ANS C
Because of the possibility of a transfusion reaction, the infusion should be discontinued immediately and
the physician notified.
DIF Cognitive Level Application
4. Which is a true statement about the administration of potassium?
a. The intravenous rate should not exceed 30 mmol/hr.
b. Oral forms should be given on an empty stomach to maximize absorption.
c. The concentration of potassium in intravenous solutions should not exceed 60 mmol/L. d. When
given intravenously, potassium must always be given in diluted form.
ANS D
Intravenous potassium must always be given in a diluted form and administered slowly. Intravenous (IV)
bolus or undiluted forms may cause cardiac arrest. IV rates are not to exceed 20 mmol/hr. The generally
accepted maximum concentration for peripheral infusion is 20 to 40 mmoL/L. Oral forms should be
mixed with juice or water or taken according to instructions.
DIF Cognitive Level Comprehension
5. A patient is being treated for mild hyponatremia after spending a long day doing gardening work in
the heat of the day. What is the most appropriate method with which to treat her condition?
a. Oral supplementation of fluids
b. IV bolus of lactated Ringer’s solution
c. Normal saline infusion, administered slowly
d. Oral administration of sodium chloride tablets
Sealock Lilley’s Pharmacology for Canadian Health Care Practice
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which blood product is indicated to increase clotting factor levels in patients with a demonstrated
deficiency?
a. Cryoprecipitate
b. Fresh frozen plasma
c. Packed red blood cells
d. Plasma protein fractions
ANS B
Fresh frozen plasma is indicated to increase clotting factor levels in patients with a demonstrated
deficiency.
DIF Cognitive Level Knowledge
2. Potassium supplements are contraindicated in patients with a history of which condition?
a. Burns
b. Diarrhea
c. Kidney disease
d. Cardiac tachydysrhythmias
ANS C
Potassium supplements are contraindicated in the presence of severe kidney disease. Patients with
hypokalemia due to burns or diarrhea and patients with cardiac tachydysrhythmias may be treated with
potassium supplements. Potassium supplements are contraindicated in patients with severe kidney
disease.
DIF Cognitive Level Comprehension
3. During a blood transfusion, a patient begins to report chills and back pain. Which action is appropriate
for the nurse to take?
, a. Observe for other symptoms.
b. Slow the infusion rate and monitor vital signs.
c. Discontinue the infusion immediately and notify the physician.
d. Tell the patient that the symptoms are a normal reaction to the blood product.
ANS C
Because of the possibility of a transfusion reaction, the infusion should be discontinued immediately and
the physician notified.
DIF Cognitive Level Application
4. Which is a true statement about the administration of potassium?
a. The intravenous rate should not exceed 30 mmol/hr.
b. Oral forms should be given on an empty stomach to maximize absorption.
c. The concentration of potassium in intravenous solutions should not exceed 60 mmol/L. d. When
given intravenously, potassium must always be given in diluted form.
ANS D
Intravenous potassium must always be given in a diluted form and administered slowly. Intravenous (IV)
bolus or undiluted forms may cause cardiac arrest. IV rates are not to exceed 20 mmol/hr. The generally
accepted maximum concentration for peripheral infusion is 20 to 40 mmoL/L. Oral forms should be
mixed with juice or water or taken according to instructions.
DIF Cognitive Level Comprehension
5. A patient is being treated for mild hyponatremia after spending a long day doing gardening work in
the heat of the day. What is the most appropriate method with which to treat her condition?
a. Oral supplementation of fluids
b. IV bolus of lactated Ringer’s solution
c. Normal saline infusion, administered slowly
d. Oral administration of sodium chloride tablets
