1 :

Client reports a 3-day history of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, The client states that they have been unable to "keep water down" for the last 24 hr.

1000:

Temperature 38.7°C (101.7°F)

Blood pressure 88/50 mm Hg

Heart rate 112/min

Respirations 24/min

Pulse oximetry 94% on room air

0800:

Temperature 38.30°C (101°F)

Blood pressure 104/60 mm Hg

Heart rate 99/min

Respirations 20/min

Oxygen saturation 95% on room air

Supplemental oxygen for oxygen saturation less than 95%

Start a peripheral IV

Administer 500 mL 0.9% sodium chloride IV bolus then infuse at 125 mL/hr

Obtain a serum potassium level

Obtain daily weights

Strict intake and output

Administer acetaminophen 650 mg PO q6h for temp greater than 38.6°C (101.5°F)


Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options. The nurse should first administer a fluid bolus followed by .


Hint : 🧴O2 and fluid restore perfusion.

Correct Answers

  • Blank 1 Correct Option: initiate oxygen
  • Blank 2 Correct Option: administer a fluid bolus

Rationale :

Initiate oxygen:

🟣The priority intervention is to administer supplemental oxygen due to the client’s hypovolemic state and signs of impaired perfusion.

🟣The blood pressure (88/50 mm Hg) and elevated heart rate (112/min) indicate the body is compensating for volume loss.

🟣Additionally, the oxygen saturation has dropped to 94%, below the prescribed threshold of 95%, indicating reduced oxygen delivery to tissues.

🟣Starting oxygen improves tissue oxygenation while other interventions are prepared.

Administer a fluid bolus:

🟣After addressing oxygenation, the next most critical intervention is to administer a 500 mL 0.9% sodium chloride IV bolus.

🟣The client shows clinical signs of moderate dehydration and possible early hypovolemic shock from prolonged vomiting and diarrhea.

🟣The fluid bolus helps restore intravascular volume, improve perfusion, stabilize vital signs, and support organ function.

🟣Timely fluid replacement is key to preventing further hemodynamic compromise.


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2 :

Hint : 🫁Upright improves ventilation.

Correct Answers:

  • Semi-Fowler's position.


Rationale :

🔸 Placing the client in a semi-Fowler’s position (30–45°) promotes lung expansion, enhancing deep breathing and facilitating an effective cough.

🔸 This position allows the diaphragm to descend, improving ventilation and oxygenation.

🔸 It helps prevent aspiration during suctioning procedures and enhances airway clearance.

🔸 The upright posture also promotes gravitational drainage of secretions, making them easier to suction.

🔸 This position is standard for clients with respiratory conditions or airway devices such as tracheostomies.


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3 :

Hint : 💧No catching up IV fluids.

Correct Answers:

  • Maintain the at the prescribed rate and avoid trying to catch up if delayed.


Rationale :

🔶 Administering IV fluids too rapidly, especially after a delay, increases the risk of circulatory overload, particularly in clients with compromised cardiac or renal function.

🔶 The key to preventing overload is to strictly adhere to prescribed fluid rates, ensuring gradual and controlled volume expansion.

🔶 Overcorrection can lead to pulmonary edema, elevated blood pressure, and other signs of fluid volume excess.

🔶 Nurses must assess the IV rate hourly and never "double" the infusion rate to compensate for delays.

🔶 Infusion pumps should be used whenever possible to ensure consistent and accurate delivery.


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4 :

Hint : ♦️Low HCO₃ = metabolic origin.

Correct Answers:

  • Metabolic acidosis


Rationale :

🔷 The pH of 7.28 is below the normal range (7.35–7.45), indicating acidosis.

🔷 The HCO₃⁻ level of 18 mEq/L is decreased (normal: 22–26 mEq/L), which points to a metabolic origin of the acidosis.

🔷 The PaCO₂ of 36 mm Hg is within normal range (35–45 mm Hg), which rules out a primary respiratory cause.

🔷 In metabolic acidosis, the body either produces too much acid (e.g., in DKA) or loses too much bicarbonate (e.g., in diarrhea).

🔷 Compensation may occur via respiratory mechanisms, but this ABG shows uncompensated metabolic acidosis.


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5 :

Hint : ⏺️Low sodium = neuro signs.

Correct Answers:

  • A prescription for a urine sodium test
  • Sodium level of 127 mEq/L
  • Client reporting headache and fatigue


Rationale :

A prescription for a urine sodium test

🔷 A urine sodium test is an important diagnostic tool to help determine the cause of hyponatremia—whether it is due to sodium loss (e.g., from diuretics or adrenal insufficiency) or dilutional causes (e.g., SIADH or excessive water intake).

🔷 In SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone), urine sodium is typically high despite low serum sodium because the kidneys continue excreting sodium while retaining water.

🔷 This test assists in differentiating between renal and extrarenal losses, which is crucial in planning appropriate treatment.

🔷 It is a standard part of the workup for persistent or severe hyponatremia in hospitalized patients.

Sodium level of 127 mEq/L

🔷 A serum sodium level less than 135 mEq/L confirms the presence of hyponatremia.

🔷A level of 127 mEq/L indicates moderate hyponatremia and may require medical intervention.

🔷 At this level, patients may start exhibiting neurological symptoms due to cellular swelling from osmotic imbalance, especially in the brain.

🔷 Identifying the exact sodium value helps clinicians decide on whether to implement fluid restriction, hypertonic saline, or salt tablets.

🔷 Levels under 130 mEq/L especially warrant close monitoring for deterioration in mental status, seizure risk, or worsening of underlying conditions.

Client reporting headache and fatigue

🔷 These symptoms are classic signs of hyponatremia-induced cerebral edema, where fluid shifts into brain cells due to low extracellular sodium concentration.

🔷 As cells swell, patients experience symptoms such as headache, lethargy, confusion, irritability, and in severe cases, seizures or coma.

🔷 The presence of these symptoms emphasizes the need for neurological monitoring, including frequent level of consciousness checks.

🔷 Headache and fatigue may appear early and are important warning signs of worsening hyponatremia requiring prompt intervention.


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6 :

Hint : 🧮Melted ice = half volume.

Correct Answers:

  • 565


Rationale :

🟦 4 oz juice = 4 × 30 = 120 mL

🟦 6 oz tea = 6 × 30 = 180 mL

🟦 100 mL of ice chips = 50 mL (only half the volume of ice chips counts when melted)

🟦 IV bolus = 150 mL (counted fully)

🟦 8 oz broth = 8 × 30 = 240 mL

Total Intake = 120 + 180 + 50 + 150 + 240

565 mL


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7 :

Hint : 💦Water follows sodium.

Correct Answers:

  • “Water moves from areas where the concentration of sodium is lower to the areas where the concentration of sodium is higher.”


Rationale :

🟠 Sodium is the major extracellular solute, and water follows solute concentration due to osmosis.

🟠 When sodium concentration is high, water moves toward that area to balance osmolarity.

🟠 During dehydration, water is lost more than sodium, increasing serum sodium concentration (hypernatremia).

🟠 The body responds by pulling water from intracellular to extracellular compartments to dilute the hypertonic plasma.

🟠 Understanding this fluid shift is essential for evaluating dehydration and planning rehydration strategies.


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8 :

Hint : 💉Isotonic = fluid stays put.

Correct Answers:

  • Lactated Ringers


Rationale :

🔷 Lactated Ringer’s (LR) is an isotonic solution, meaning its osmolarity is similar to plasma.

🔷 It contains sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and lactate, making it useful for fluid resuscitation.

🔷 LR is frequently used for surgical clients, trauma patients, and burn victims.

🔷 It helps to replace fluid loss without causing fluid shifts between compartments.

🔷 Unlike hypotonic or hypertonic solutions, isotonic fluids stay within the intravascular space.


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9 :

Hint : 🫁Always assess first.

Correct Answers:

  • Assess the client's respiratory status.


Rationale :

🔴 In all acute care settings, the first priority is to assess the client, especially in respiratory complaints.

🔴 For a client with COPD on home oxygen, difficulty breathing may stem from bronchospasm, secretion buildup, or hypoventilation.

🔴 Increasing oxygen without assessment could worsen CO₂ retention in COPD.

🔴 Assessing respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, breath sounds, and effort guides safe interventions.

🔴 Prompt, accurate assessment prevents inappropriate actions and directs evidence-based care.


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10 :

Hint : 🥗 Avoid potassium-rich foods.

Correct Answers:

  • Spinach
  • Bananas
  • Tomatoes


Rationale :

Spinach

🔴 Spinach is a potassium-rich vegetable, especially when cooked, containing over 500 mg of potassium per cup.

🔴 In clients with hyperkalemia, high-potassium foods can worsen the condition by increasing serum potassium levels.

🔴 Continued intake may result in cardiac dysrhythmias, muscle weakness, and other serious effects.

🔴 Dietary potassium restriction is key in managing clients with impaired renal excretion or elevated potassium levels.

Bananas

🔴 Bananas are notorious for high potassium content, with one medium banana containing approximately 422 mg.

🔴 Clients with hyperkalemia should avoid or limit banana consumption to prevent exacerbation of cardiac instability.

🔴 The potassium in bananas is rapidly absorbed, influencing resting membrane potentials of myocardial cells.

🔴 Nurses should teach clients about fruit alternatives low in potassium such as apples or berries.

Tomatoes

🔴 Tomatoes, especially in concentrated forms (sauces, paste), are significant sources of potassium, with raw forms containing 290–400 mg per tomato.

🔴 In hyperkalemic clients, consuming tomatoes can increase the risk of electrolyte imbalance and arrhythmias.

🔴 Both cooked and raw tomato products should be minimized or eliminated in hyperkalemia dietary plans.

🔴 Patient education should include label reading for tomato-based ingredients in processed foods.


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Total Questions: 10

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