The nurse is reviewing laboratory results. Which cation will the ...

[olgavictoria]

The nurse is reviewing laboratory results. Which cation will the nurse observe is the most abundant in the blood?
 
  a. Sodium
  b. Chloride
  c. Potassium
  d. Magnesium

Question 2

The nurse administers an intravenous (IV) hypertonic solution to a patient. In which direction will the fluid shift?
 
  a. From intracellular to extracellular
  b. From extracellular to intracellular
  c. From intravascular to intracellular
  d. From intravascular to interstitial

[dmurph1496]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Sodium is the most abundant cation in the blood. Potassium is the predominant intracellular cation. Chloride is an anion (negatively charged) rather than a cation (positively charged). Magnesium is found predominantly inside cells and in bone.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Hypertonic solutions will move fluid from the intracellular to the extracellular (intravascular). A hypertonic solution has a concentration greater than normal body fluids, so water will shift out of cells because of the osmotic pull of the extra particles. Movement of water from the extracellular (intravascular) into cells (intracellular) occurs when hypotonic fluids are administered. Distribution of fluid between intravascular and interstitial spaces occurs by filtration, the net sum of hydrostatic and osmotic pressures.