A nurse is teaching a graduating nurse about fluid volume deficit. Which of the following concepts about water balance should the nurse explain to the graduating nurse?
The intracellular space contains most of the body's water.
A negative fluid balance occurs when the body takes in more water than the body needs.
When the body loses water, the intravascular space experiences the water loss.
A fluid volume deficit inhibits baroreceptors
The Correct Answer is A
A. The intracellular space contains most of the body's water: The majority of the body's water is found within the cells (intracellular space), accounting for about two-thirds of total body water. This is the primary compartment where water is stored and is critical for cellular function and maintaining homeostasis.
B. A negative fluid balance occurs when the body takes in more water than the body needs: A negative fluid balance refers to a state in which the body loses more water than it takes in, resulting in dehydration or fluid volume deficit. When the body takes in more water than it needs, it results in a positive fluid balance, which could lead to fluid overload or hyperhydration.
C. When the body loses water, the intravascular space experiences the water loss: While the loss of water from the body can affect all compartments, including the extracellular space, the intravascular space (blood vessels) is particularly vulnerable to volume loss, such as in dehydration. However, the primary loss in water occurs from both intracellular and extracellular compartments, not exclusively the intravascular space.
D. A fluid volume deficit inhibits baroreceptors: Fluid volume deficit may affect baroreceptors, which detect changes in blood pressure, but it does not directly inhibit them. In fact, a decrease in fluid volume typically triggers baroreceptors to respond by stimulating mechanisms that attempt to restore fluid balance, such as increasing thirst or activating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system to conserve water.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Swelling of the optic nerve: Swelling of the optic nerve, also known as papilledema, is a clear sign of increased intracranial pressure and indicates a worsening neurological condition. It results from pressure transmitted through the cerebrospinal fluid, leading to compromised optic nerve function.
B. Respiratory rate of 12/min: A respiratory rate of 12 breaths per minute is within normal limits for adults and does not indicate deterioration. While respiratory changes can be a late sign of increased ICP, a rate of 12 alone is not concerning.
C. Changes to pupil size and shape: Alterations in pupil size and shape often reflect pressure on cranial nerves, particularly the oculomotor nerve (CN III), which is a critical warning sign of brain herniation or increased ICP. This is a significant cue of neurologic decline.
D. Blood pressure of 108/74 mm Hg: This blood pressure reading is within a normal range and does not independently suggest a worsening neurologic condition. Worrisome signs would include widened pulse pressure or elevated systolic pressure, which may signal Cushing’s triad.
E. Decreasing Glasgow Coma scores: A drop in the Glasgow Coma Scale score indicates a decline in consciousness, which is a key sign of worsening intracranial pathology. Monitoring GCS trends is essential in patients with increased ICP to identify neurological deterioration early.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Decreased urinary sodium: In SIADH, urinary sodium is typically not decreased. The kidneys continue to excrete sodium even in the presence of low serum sodium, due to the inappropriate retention of water. This results in normal or elevated urinary sodium levels, making decreased urinary sodium inconsistent with SIADH.
B. Increased serum sodium: SIADH is characterized by the retention of free water, which leads to dilutional hyponatremia, not hypernatremia. The excess water dilutes sodium concentration in the blood, resulting in decreased rather than increased serum sodium. Elevated serum sodium would suggest dehydration or another endocrine issue.
C. Decreased urine osmolality: In SIADH, the kidneys respond to the high levels of antidiuretic hormone by concentrating the urine. As a result, urine osmolality is typically elevated, not decreased. Dilute urine would be more consistent with diabetes insipidus rather than SIADH.
D. Decreased serum osmolality: This is a key diagnostic feature of SIADH. The excessive release of ADH causes the body to retain water, which dilutes the blood and lowers serum osmolality. This dilutional effect also contributes to hyponatremia and associated neurological symptoms.
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