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Electrolyte NCLEX Questions and Answers Rated A+
A patient’s sodium levels are low due to excessive sweating and dehydration. What should be the nurse’s priority action?
a) Administer a sodium-rich diet
b) Administer an IV of isotonic saline
c) Restrict fluid intake
d) Administer a potassium-sparing diuretic
✔✔ b) Administer an IV of isotonic saline
What would be a primary cause of hyponatremia in a patient taking diuretics?
a) Excessive fluid intake
b) Sodium retention
c) Potassium loss
d) Sodium loss through urine
✔✔ d) Sodium loss through urine
Which of the following symptoms would you most likely see in a patient with hypomagnesemia? 1 / 3
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a) Confusion, tremors, and seizures
b) Excessive thirst and urination
c) Lethargy and confusion
d) Vomiting and diarrhea
✔✔ a) Confusion, tremors, and seizures
If a patient is experiencing respiratory alkalosis, what compensatory mechanism is the body likely to use?
a) Excretion of bicarbonate
b) Increased respiration rate
c) Increased potassium retention
d) Secretion of hydrogen ions
✔✔ a) Excretion of bicarbonate
A patient presents with muscle weakness, fatigue, and a blood calcium level of 8.2 mg/dL. What condition could this suggest?
a) Hyperparathyroidism
b) Hypocalcemia
c) Hypercalcemia 2 / 3
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d) Renal failure
✔✔ b) Hypocalcemia
What would you expect the urine output to be in a patient with hyperkalemia?
a) Increased output
b) Decreased output
c) No change
d) Variable output
✔✔ b) Decreased output
When administering potassium to a patient, what is a priority for the nurse to monitor?
a) Blood pressure
b) Heart rate and rhythm
c) Oxygen saturation
d) Respiratory rate
✔✔ b) Heart rate and rhythm
What is the most accurate method for diagnosing metabolic acidosis?
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