MED-SURG EXAM 1
Referring to potassium and sodium, which is inside the cell and which is outside of the
cell?
Inside – potassium; Outside – sodium
Why is checking the skin turgor of an older adult unreliable?
o Because they have wrinkles
Which area of the body is the least reliable when checking skin turgor of an older adult?
The back of the hand
What is the most reliable indicator of a patient’s fluid volume status?
Checking daily weights
What is the reference range for the electrolyte phosphorus?
3 – 4.5 mg/deciLiter
What is the reference range for the electrolyte magnesium?
1.3 – 2.1 milli-Equivalents/Liter
What is the reference range for the electrolyte chloride?
98 – 106 milli-Equivalents/Liter
What is the reference range for the electrolyte calcium?
9 – 10.5 mg/deciLiter
What is the reference range for the electrolyte potassium?
3.5 – 5 milli-Equivalents/Liter
What is the reference range for the electrolyte sodium?
136 – 145 milli-Equivalents/Liter
What age-related changes in skin are influenced by fluid balance?
loss of elasticity, decreased oil production, and decreased turgor
What are the results of these changes?
Unreliable skin turgor, and dry skin that damages easily
What age-related changes in the kidneys are influenced by fluid balance?
Decreased glomerular (“glow-mayr-ular”) filtration, decreased concentrating capacity
What is the result of these changes?
Poor excretion of waste products
What muscular age-related changes are influenced by fluid balance?
Decreased muscle mass
What is the result of this change?
Decreased total body water
What does this put a patient at risk of?
Dehydration
What neurological age-related changes are influenced by fluid balance?
Decreased thirst reflex
What is the result of this change?
Drinking less fluids
What does this put a patient at risk of?
Dehydration
What endocrine age-related changes are influenced by fluid balance?
Adrenal atrophy
What is the result of this change?
Poor regulation of sodium and potassium (HINT:: think kidneys, aldosterone)
What does this put the patient at risk of?
Electrolyte imbalance, specifically hyponatremia and hyPERkalemia
What are the ways that fluids can be ingested?