A charge nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about fluid shifts. The newly licensed nurse asks why sodium levels are high during dehydration. Which of the following responses should the charge nurse provide?
Water moves from areas where the concentration of sodium is higher to areas where the concentration is lower.
Water moves from areas where the concentration of sodium is lower to areas where the concentration is higher.
Sodium moves from areas where the concentration of solute is lower to areas where the concentration is higher.
Water and sodium particles move together to areas where sodium particles are higher.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect because, during dehydration, water does not move towards areas of lower sodium concentration.
Choice B reason: This is correct because, during dehydration, the body retains sodium, and water follows by osmosis to areas where sodium concentration is higher, which can result in elevated sodium levels.
Choice C reason: Sodium does not typically move across membranes in response to solute concentration gradients; water does.
Choice D reason: Water moves independently of sodium particles, not necessarily together, and it moves towards areas of higher solute concentration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Flank pain is a common symptom of PKD due to the enlargement of cysts within the kidneys.

Choice B reason: Confusion is not a direct symptom of PKD but could be related to complications such as severe hypertension or toxins in the blood due to decreased kidney function.
Choice C reason: Hypotension is not typically associated with PKD; in fact, hypertension is a more common finding due to the disease's impact on kidney function.
Choice D reason: Urinary retention is not a typical finding in PKD. Instead, symptoms like hematuria (blood in the urine) and increased urinary frequency may occur.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Blood-tinged dialysate outflow can occur initially due to the surgical procedure and is not typically a cause for immediate concern unless it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.
Choice B reason: Dialysate leakage during inflow might indicate a problem with the catheter placement or integrity but is not usually an emergency. It should be monitored and reported if it continues.
Choice C reason: Discomfort during dialysate inflow is common, especially in new patients, as they adjust to the sensation of fluid being infused. It should be reported if the discomfort is severe or persistent.
Choice D reason: Purulent dialysate outflow indicates an infection, such as peritonitis, which is a serious complication
of peritoneal dialysis. This requires immediate atention and intervention by the healthcare provider.
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