Study Guide for Fundamentals of Nursing The Art and Science of Nursing Care

e.The kidneys conserve potassium when cel-

lular potassium is decreased.

f.The normal range for serum potassium is

6.5 to 8.0 mEq/L.

8.Which of the following statements accurately

describe fluid and electrolyte movement?

(Select all that apply.)

a.Cell membranes are impermeable, making

it impossible for water to be transported

through cell walls.

b.Active transport is the major method of

transporting body fluids.

c.Through the process of osmosis, the solvent

water passes from an area of lesser solute

concentration to an area of greater solute

concentration until equilibrium is

established.

d.A hypertonic solution has a greater concen-

tration of particles in solution, causing

water to move out of the cells and into the

intravascular compartment in which the

fluid is hypertonic, causing the cells to

shrink.

e.In the process of diffusion, the solute moves

from an area of higher concentration to an

area of lower concentration until equilibrium

is established.

f.Active transport is the passage of fluid

through a permeable membrane from an

area of high pressure to one of lower

pressure.

9.Which of the following statements accurately

describe the functions of the organs to maintain

fluid homeostasis? (Select all that apply.)

a.The kidneys normally filter 210 L of plasma

daily in the adult while excreting only 1.5 L

of urine.

b.The cardiovascular system is responsible for

pumping and carrying nutrients and water

throughout the body.

c.The regulation of the carbon dioxide level

by the lungs is crucial in maintaining

acid–base balance.

d.The thyroid gland secretes aldosterone, a

hormone that helps the body conserve

sodium, saves chloride and water, and

causes potassium to be excreted.

e.Thyroxine, released by the thyroid gland,

increases blood flow in the body, leading to

increased renal circulation and resulting in

increased glomerular filtration and urinary

output.

f.The adrenal glands secrete parathyroid hor-

mone, which regulates the level of calcium

in ECF.

Chart/Exhibit Questions

Determine the acid–base imbalance in the cases

appearing on page 276 and circle the letter that

corresponds to the best answer for each scenario.

Refer to the Rules of ABG Interpretation table

below for your answers.

CHAPTER 40 FLUID, ELECTROLYTE, AND ACID–BASE BALANCE 275

Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Study Guide for Fundamentals of Nursing:

Rules of ABG Interpretation

pH PaCO 2 HCO 3

7.35 acidosis 45 mm Hg respiratory acidosis 22 mEq/L metabolic acidosis

7.45 alkalosis 35 mm Hg respiratory alkalosis 26 mEq/L metabolic alkalosis

• It is OK to use what you know about your patient.


• The body responds to acid–base imbalances by activating compensatory mechanisms that minimize pH changes; a metabolic disturbance
  is compensated by the lungs, and a respiratory system disturbance is compensated by the kidneys.


• Any pH less than 7.35 state of acidosis. Any pH greater than 7.45 state of alkalosis.
  •CO 2 is an acid; HCO 3 is a base. Any change in CO 2 reflects a respiratory change. Any change in HCO 3 reflects a metabolic change.


• If the pH has returned to normal, compensation has taken place.


• If the primary event is a fallin pH, whether respiratory or metabolic in origin, the arterial pH stays on the acidside after compensation.


• If the primary event is an increasein pH, whether respiratory or metabolic in origin, the arterial pH stays on the baseside after
  compensation.

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