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 D
Explanation
Furosemide is a diuretic that lowers blood pressure by increasing urine output and reducing fluid volume in the body.
One of the possible adverse effects of furosemide is hypotension, which is low blood pressure.
This can cause symptoms such as dizziness, faintness, confusion, or weakness.
The nurse should monitor the client’s blood pressure and report any signs of hypotension to the doctor.
Choice A is wrong because hypertension, which is high blood pressure, is not a common side effect of furosemide.
In fact, furosemide is used to treat hypertension in some cases.
Choice B is wrong because hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar, is not a common side effect of furosemide.
Furosemide does not affect blood sugar levels directly.
However, it may interact with some medications that lower blood sugar, such as insulin or oral antidiabetic drugs.
The nurse should check the client’s medication history and monitor their blood sugar levels if they are taking any of these drugs.
Choice C is wrong because hyperkalemia, which is high potassium levels in the blood, is not a common side effect of furosemide.
Furosemide belongs to a class of diuretics called loop diuretics, which lower potassium levels by increasing its excretion in the urine.
One of the possible adverse effects of furosemide is hypokalemia, which is low potassium levels in the blood.
This can cause symptoms such as muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat, or numbness.
The nurse should monitor the client’s potassium levels and advise them to eat foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, or potatoes.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg.
Normal ranges for blood sugar are 4.0 mmol/L to 7.8 mmol/L (72 mg/dL to 140 mg/dL).
Normal ranges for potassium are 3.5 mmol/L to 5.0 mmol/L (3.5 mEq/L to 5.0 mEq/L).
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Hyponatremia is a condition where sodium levels in your blood are lower than normal. This can cause symptoms such as nausea, headache, confusion, muscle weakness and seizures. A hypertonic saline solution is a fluid that has a higher concentration of sodium than normal blood. It can help restore the sodium balance and prevent or treat the complications of hyponatremia.
Choice A is wrong because restricting fluid intake may not be enough to correct severe hyponatremia and may worsen the symptoms if the cause is sodium loss.
Choice C is wrong because encouraging increased fluid intake may further dilute the sodium levels and worsen the condition.
Choice D is wrong because administering a loop diuretic may increase the urine output and cause more sodium loss, leading to more severe hyponatremia.
Normal ranges for blood sodium levels are between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L).
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today