Author Question: A patient is taking a thiazide diuretic and reports anorexia and fatigue. The nurse suspects which ... (Read 91 times)

faduma · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient is taking a thiazide diuretic and reports anorexia and fatigue. The nurse suspects which electrolyte imbalance in this patient?

a. Hypercalcemia
b. Hypocalcemia
c. Hyperkalemia
d. Hypokalemia

Question 2

A patient is admitted after experiencing vomiting and diarrhea for several days. The provider orders intravenous lactated Ringer's solution. The nurse understands that this fluid is given for which purpose?

a. To increase interstitial and intracellular hydration
b. To maintain plasma volume over time
c. To pull water from the interstitial space into the extracellular fluid
d. To replace water and electrolytes

FergA · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Thiazide diuretics cause the body to lose potassium. Patients who take thiazide diuretics should be monitored for hypokalemia.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Lactated Ringer's solution is an isotonic solution and is used to replace water and electrolytes and is often used to replace gastrointestinal losses. Hypotonic fluids increase interstitial and intracellular hydration. Colloidal solutions are used to maintain plasma volume over time. Hypertonic solutions pull water from the interstitial space into the extracellular fluid.