Question

The nurse is monitoring the fluid and electrolyte status of a client receiving intravenous colloids. The nurse understands that it is priority to monitor the client for manifestations of which imbalance?

1) Hypernatremia
2) Fluid overload
3) Hyperkalemia
4) Fluid deficit

Answer 1

When monitoring a client receiving intravenous colloids, the nurse should particularly watch for signs of fluid overload or hypervolemia, due to the increased osmotic pressure that these solutions can cause.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse monitoring a client receiving intravenous colloids should prioritize monitoring the client for manifestations of fluid overload. Colloids are high-molecular-weight substances that increase the osmotic pressure in the blood, drawing fluid from the interstitial space into the circulatory system. This can lead to an excess of fluid, or hypervolemia, especially in patients with conditions such as heart failure, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease.

Hypernatremia and hyperkalemia are also important electrolyte imbalances to monitor for; however, with colloid administration specifically, the risk of expanding blood volume and causing fluid overload is a more immediate concern.