Respiratory regulation of acids and bases involves:
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Solution
carbon dioxide
Respiratory regulation of acid-base balance involves the elimination or retention of carbon dioxide.
Vien is receiving oral potassium supplements for his condition. How should the supplements be administered?
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Solution
diluted
Oral potassium supplements are known to irritate gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa and should be diluted.
Which of the following findings would the nurse exp[ect to assess in a patient with hypokalemia?
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Solution
hyporeflexia
Hyporeflexia is a symptom of hypokalemia
The physician has ordered IV replacement of potassium for a patient with severe hypokalemia. The nurse would administer this:
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Solution
diluted in 100 cc over 1 hour
Potassium must be well diluted and given slowly because rapid administration will cause cardiac arrest.
When assessing a patient for signs of fluid overload, the nurse would expect to observe:
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Solution
bounding pulse
Bounding pulse is a sign of fluid overload as more volume in the vessels causes a stronger sensation against the blood vessel walls. Flat neck veins and vesicular breath sounds are normal findings. Poor skin turgor is consistent with dehydration.
Aldosterone secretion in response to fluid loss will result in which one of the following electrolyte imbalances?
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Solution
hypokalemia
Aldosterone is secreted in response to fluid loss. Aldosterone causes sodium reabsorption and potassium elimination, further exacerbating hypokalemia.
Which of the following intravenous solutions would be appropriate for a patient with severe hyponatremia secondary to syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)?
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Solution
hypertonic solution
When hyponatremia is severe, hypertonic solutions may be used but should be infused with caution due to the potential for development of CHF. In SIADH, isotonic and hypotonic solutions are not indicated, because urine output is minimal, so water is retained. this water retention dilutes serum sodium levels, making the patient hyponatremic and necessitating administration of hypertonic solutions to balance sodium and water. Normotonic solutions do not exist.
Insensible fluid losses include:
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Solution
perspiration
Perspiration and the fluid lost via the lungs are termed insensible losses; normally, insensible losses equal about 1000 cc/day.
Which of the following is the most important physical assessment parameter the nurse would consider when assessing fluid and electrolyte imbalance?
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Solution
cardiac rate and rhythm
Cardiac rate and rhythm are the most important physical assessment parameter to measure. Skin turgor, intake and output are physical assessment parameters a nurse would consider when assessing fluid and electrolyte imbalance, but choice d is the most important.