The nurse points out that electrolytes are essential for health. Nonelectrolytes include:

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because over-hydration is unlikely in a dehydrated patient. Over-hydration is a condition where the body has too much water, which can cause hyponatremia, edema, and cerebral swelling.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because diarrhea is a cause, not a consequence, of dehydration. Diarrhea is the frequent and watery passage of stool, which can lead to fluid and electrolyte loss.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because pulmonary congestion is also unlikely in a dehydrated patient. Pulmonary congestion is a condition where the lungs are filled with fluid, which can cause dyspnea, cough, and crackles.

Choice D reason: This is correct because fall is a potential complication of dehydration. Dehydration can cause confusion, dizziness, weakness, and hypotension, which can increase the risk of falling and injuring oneself.

Choice A reason: Sodium (Na+) imbalance can cause neurological symptoms such as confusion, seizures, or coma, but not abdominal pain or urinary retention.

Choice B reason: Calcium (Ca2+) imbalance can cause abdominal pain, urinary retention, and confusion, as well as muscle weakness, bone pain, and cardiac arrhythmias. These signs are the result of an inadequate supply of calcium, which is essential for nerve and muscle function, as well as bone health.

Choice C reason: Chloride (Cl-) imbalance can cause acid-base disorders such as metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, but not abdominal pain, urinary retention, or confusion.

Choice D reason: Phosphates (PO4^3^-) imbalance can cause bone and muscle problems, such as rickets, osteomalacia, or tetany, but not abdominal pain, urinary retention, or confusion.

Choice E reason: Potassium (K+) imbalance can cause cardiac and neuromuscular symptoms, such as arrhythmias, palpitations, muscle weakness, or paralysis, but not abdominal pain, urinary retention, or confusion.