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Electrolytes
Electrolytes ( 4 Questions)
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has fluid volume excess. Which of the following electrolytes is most likely to be elevated in this client?
Sodium is the most likely electrolyte to be elevated in a client who has fluid volume excess. This is because fluid volume excess, or hypervolemia, is caused by an increase in total body sodium content and an increase in total body water. Sodium is the main electrolyte that regulates fluid balance in the body. When sodium levels are high, the body retains water to dilute it. This leads to fluid overload and edema. Therefore, a client with fluid volume excess would have high sodium levels in their blood.
Potassium is not likely to be elevated in a client who has fluid volume excess. Potassium is mainly found inside the cells, and its levels are regulated by the kidneys. Potassium levels can be affected by acid-base balance, insulin, aldosterone, and cell damage. A client with fluid volume excess may have low potassium levels due to dilution or increased excretion by the kidneys.
Calcium is not likely to be elevated in a client who has fluid volume excess. Calcium is mostly bound to albumin, a protein in the blood. Calcium levels can be affected by parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, phosphate, and albumin levels. A client with fluid volume excess may have low calcium levels due to dilution or low albumin levels.
Magnesium is not likely to be elevated in a client who has fluid volume excess. Magnesium is mainly found inside the cells and bones, and its levels are regulated by the kidneys. Magnesium levels can be affected by renal function, intestinal absorption, hormonal factors, and medications. A client with fluid volume excess may have low magnesium levels due to dilution or increased excretion by the kidneys.
Choice A reason:
Sodium is the most likely electrolyte to be elevated in a client who has fluid volume excess. This is because fluid volume excess, or hypervolemia, is caused by an increase in total body sodium content and an increase in total body water. Sodium is the main electrolyte that regulates fluid balance in the body. When sodium levels are high, the body retains water to dilute it. This leads to fluid overload and edema. Therefore, a client with fluid volume excess would have high sodium levels in their blood.
Choice B reason:
Potassium is not likely to be elevated in a client who has fluid volume excess. Potassium is mainly found inside the cells, and its levels are regulated by the kidneys. Potassium levels can be affected by acid-base balance, insulin, aldosterone, and cell damage. A client with fluid volume excess may have low potassium levels due to dilution or increased excretion by the kidneys.
Choice C reason:
Calcium is not likely to be elevated in a client who has fluid volume excess. Calcium is mostly bound to albumin, a protein in the blood. Calcium levels can be affected by parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, phosphate, and albumin levels. A client with fluid volume excess may have low calcium levels due to dilution or low albumin levels.
Choice D reason:
Magnesium is not likely to be elevated in a client who has fluid volume excess. Magnesium is mainly found inside the cells and bones, and its levels are regulated by the kidneys. Magnesium levels can be affected by renal function, intestinal absorption, hormonal factors, and medications. A client with fluid volume excess may have low magnesium levels due to dilution or increased excretion by the kidneys.