Nokea
Electrolytes:
- A. do not form when glucose is added to water.
- B. dissociate in water solutions, but do not form ions.
- C. form ions in water solutions, but do not necessarily dissociate.
- D. dissociate in water solutions and form ions in water solutions.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Electrolytes are substances that dissociate into ions when dissolved in water, allowing the solution to conduct electricity. Choice A is incorrect because glucose does not form electrolytes when added to water. Choice B is incorrect as it states that electrolytes dissociate but do not form ions, which is inaccurate as electrolytes do form ions in water solutions. Choice C is also incorrect as it states that electrolytes form ions but may not necessarily dissociate, which goes against the definition of electrolytes that must dissociate into ions for conductivity. Therefore, choice D is the most accurate as it correctly describes that electrolytes dissociate in water solutions and form ions, highlighting the essential characteristics of electrolytes.
You may also like to solve these questions
You are the surgical nurse caring for a 65-year-old female patient who is postoperative day 1 following a thyroidectomy. During your shift assessment, the patient complains of tingling in her lips and fingers. She tells you that she has an intermittent spasm in her wrist and hand, and she exhibits increased muscle tone. What electrolyte imbalance should you first suspect?
- A. Hypophosphatemia
- B. Hypocalcemia
- C. Hypermagnesemia
- D. Hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The symptoms described, including tingling in the lips and fingers, intermittent spasms, and increased muscle tone, are indicative of tetany, which is a common manifestation of hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia can lead to neuromuscular irritability, causing symptoms such as paresthesias and muscle spasms. Hypophosphatemia primarily affects the central nervous system, resulting in seizures and coma. Hypermagnesemia typically presents with hypoactive reflexes and somnolence. Hyperkalemia can cause paresthesias and anxiety, but in this case, the patient's symptoms are more suggestive of hypocalcemia.
When considering overhydration:
- A. occurs less often than dehydration.
- B. can strain the kidneys.
- C. can be caused by giving intravenous fluids too rapidly.
- D. less common than dehydration.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Overhydration can occur when intravenous fluids are administered too quickly, overwhelming the body's ability to excrete the excess fluid. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect because overhydration is less common than dehydration. Choice B is incorrect because while overhydration can strain the kidneys, it is not due to the burden being too heavy. Choice D is incorrect because dehydration is more common than overhydration.
What fluid is found in spaces between the cells?
- A. Intracellular fluid
- B. Interstitial fluid
- C. Plasma
- D. Electrolyte
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Interstitial fluid. Interstitial fluid is the fluid that surrounds and occupies the spaces between cells, providing them with nutrients and removing waste. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because intracellular fluid refers to fluid inside cells, plasma refers to the liquid component of blood, and electrolyte refers to substances that dissociate into ions in solution, affecting fluid balance but not specifically found in spaces between cells.
The term used to describe a blood sodium level of more than 145 mEq/L is:
- A. hyponatremia.
- B. hyperkalemia.
- C. hypernatremia.
- D. hypercalcemia.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: hypernatremia. Hypernatremia refers to an elevated level of sodium in the blood, specifically when it is more than 145 mEq/L. Choice A, hyponatremia, is incorrect as it refers to low sodium levels. Choice B, hyperkalemia, is incorrect as it refers to high potassium levels, not sodium. Choice D, hypercalcemia, is also incorrect as it relates to elevated calcium levels, not sodium.
A nurse is caring for a patient who requires measurement of specific gravity every 4 hours. What does this test detect?
- A. Nutritional deficit
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Hypercalcemia
- D. Fluid volume status
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Specific gravity is a test used to determine the concentration of solutes in the urine, reflecting the kidney's ability to concentrate urine. Changes in specific gravity can indicate fluid volume status, such as dehydration (fluid volume deficit) or overhydration (fluid volume excess). Options A, B, and C are incorrect as specific gravity does not directly detect nutritional deficits, hyperkalemia, or hypercalcemia.