← Fluid & Electrolytes – NCLEX-RN Flashcards

NCLEX-RN Nursing Exam Practice Test

Free 5-question sample test with instant feedback. See how ready you are.

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Sample Questions

Question 1

What is the primary nursing intervention for a patient with fluid volume excess (hypervolemia)?

Answer: Restrict fluid and sodium intake, administer prescribed diuretics, and monitor daily weight and intake/output to assess response to treatment.

Question 2

A patient with fluid volume deficit (hypovolemia) would most likely exhibit which assessment finding?

Answer: Decreased urine output (oliguria), increased heart rate (tachycardia), and decreased blood pressure with poor skin turgor.

Question 3

Which IV fluid is considered isotonic and is most appropriate for replacing fluid in a hypovolemic patient?

Answer: 0.9% Normal Saline (NS) is isotonic, meaning it has the same osmolarity as plasma (~308 mOsm/L) and expands intravascular volume without causing fluid shifts.

Question 4

What is the expected effect of administering a hypertonic IV solution such as 3% NaCl?

Answer: Hypertonic solutions draw fluid from cells into the intravascular space by osmosis, increasing plasma osmolarity and shrinking cells; used cautiously for severe hyponatremia.

Question 5

What is the normal serum sodium range and what condition is present when sodium falls below this range?

Answer: Normal serum sodium is 135–145 mEq/L. A level below 135 mEq/L is called hyponatremia.