Question

28) A nurse is assessing several patients for fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Which responses are common to both excess fluid volume and deficient fluid volume? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.

1. Increased pulse amplitude
2. Decreased blood pressure
3. Difficulty breathing
4. Mental confusion
5. Muscle weakness

Answer 1

Common responses to both excess and deficient fluid volume include mental confusion, difficulty breathing, and muscle weakness, all of which are associated with changes in electrolytes or plasma osmolality.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse assessing patients for fluid and electrolyte imbalances should be aware that certain symptoms are common to both excess fluid volume (hypervolemia) and deficient fluid volume (dehydration). Responses that are common to both conditions can include:

• Mental confusion: Both dehydration and fluid overload can lead to changes in mental status because of electrolyte imbalances or changes in plasma osmolality.
• Difficulty breathing: Excess fluid can cause physical difficulty in breathing due to pulmonary edema, while dehydration can lead to rapid breathing as the body tries to maintain oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
• Muscle weakness: Imbalances in electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and calcium can cause muscle weakness.

It's crucial for nurses to accurately assess these symptoms and their underlying causes as they work toward restoring homeostasis in their patients.