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 A
Explanation
Oral potassium supplements can cause stomach irritation or laxative effect if taken without enough fluid or food.
Taking the medication with food or a full glass of water can help prevent these side effects and improve absorption.
Choice B is wrong because taking the medication on an empty stomach with a sip of water can increase the risk of stomach irritation or laxative effect and reduce absorption.
Choice C is wrong because taking the medication with milk or antacids can interfere with the absorption of potassium and cause hyperkalemia (high blood potassium levels).
Choice D is wrong because taking the medication with grapefruit juice can also interfere with the absorption of potassium and cause hyperkalemia.
Grapefruit juice can also interact with some medications that affect potassium levels, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and potassium- sparing diuretics.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Performing hand hygiene before and after handling the dialysis equipment is essential to prevent infection in peritoneal dialysis.
Hand washing and appropriate use of a mask can help avoid peritonitis, which is a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis.
Choice A is wrong because administering antibiotics prophylactically is not recommended for peritoneal dialysis patients, as it can increase the risk of antibiotic resistance and adverse effects.
Choice C is wrong because allowing the client to handle the dialysis equipment independently may increase the risk of contamination and infection.
The client should be supervised and instructed by a nurse on how to use sterile technique when connecting and disconnecting the transfer set.
Choice D is wrong because discontinuing the peritoneal dialysis if the client develops a fever may worsen the client’s condition and lead to fluid overload and electrolyte imbalance.
The client should be evaluated for signs of infection and treated accordingly.
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