What is the major extracellular (EC) electrolyte in the body?
Sodium.
Potassium.
Calcium.
Magnesium.
The Correct Answer is A
Sodium is the major extracellular electrolyte in the body.
It is responsible for maintaining the extracellular fluid volume, and also for regulation of the membrane potential of cells.
Sodium is exchanged along with potassium across cell membranes as part of active transport.
Choice B is wrong because potassium is mainly an intracellular ion.
It is important for nerve and muscle function, but it is not the predominant electrolyte in the extracellular fluid.
Choice C is wrong because calcium is not the major electrolyte in the extracellular fluid.
Calcium is mostly found in bones and teeth, where it forms a mineral reserve with phosphate.
Calcium also plays a role in muscle contraction, blood clotting, and enzyme activity.
Choice D is wrong because magnesium is not the major electrolyte in the extracellular fluid.
Magnesium is mostly found in bones, where it helps to stabilize the structure of ATP2.
Magnesium also participates in enzyme reactions, nerve and muscle function, and protein synthesis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
An isotonic solution has the same concentration of solutes as the blood plasma. 0.9% sodium chloride solution is an example of an isotonic solution.
It is used to supply water and salt to the body and to prevent hypotension induced by spinal anaesthesia.
Choice A is wrong because a hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes than the blood plasma.
It can cause water to move into the cells and cause them to swell.
Choice C is wrong because a hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes than the blood plasma.
It can cause water to move out of the cells and cause them to shrink.
Choice D is wrong because a colloid solution contains large molecules that do not pass through the capillary walls.
It is used to increase the blood volume and pressure in cases of shock or severe blood loss.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This is because hyponatremia is a condition where sodium levels in your blood are lower than normal, usually due to too much water in your body that dilutes the sodium. A hypertonic saline solution is a fluid that has a higher concentration of sodium than blood, and it can help restore the normal sodium balance by drawing water out of the cells.
Choice A is wrong because restricting fluid intake may not be enough to correct severe hyponatremia, and it may worsen the symptoms of dehydration.
Choice C is wrong because encouraging increased fluid intake will further lower the sodium levels and increase the risk of complications such as brain swelling.
Choice D is wrong because administering a loop diuretic will cause more sodium and water loss from the kidneys, which can worsen hyponatremia and dehydration.
Normal ranges for blood sodium levels are between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L).
Hyponatremia is defined as a blood sodium level below 135 mEq/L1.
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