6 Electrolyte Imbalance Practice Questions Free Online FlashCards

What is the priority response to severe hyponatremia with a seizure?

Severe symptomatic hyponatremia can cause cerebral edema and seizures. Protect the airway, use seizure precautions, and urgently escalate care.

How is hypernatremia generally managed safely?

Replace free water as prescribed, assess volume and neurologic status, and monitor sodium closely. Chronic or unknown-duration hypernatremia is generally corrected gradually.

What ECG pattern suggests hypokalemia, and what replacement safety rule applies?

Hypokalemia can cause flattened T waves and prominent U waves. Review potassium and renal status, follow ordered replacement, and never give potassium by IV push.

Which imbalance links perioral tingling, hand spasms, and a prolonged QT?

Perioral tingling and hand spasms suggest hypocalcemia; it can also prolong the QT interval. Assess airway and severity, notify the provider, and prepare prescribed calcium.

Why should low magnesium be assessed when hypokalemia is also present?

Hypomagnesemia can cause tremors, brisk reflexes, and arrhythmias, and may occur with hypokalemia. Magnesium deficiency can make potassium difficult to correct.

Which findings make hypermagnesemia an urgent breathing and circulation concern?

Hypermagnesemia can depress reflexes and cause hypotension and respiratory depression. Support airway and breathing and urgently escalate care.

Why assess phosphate when a malnourished patient develops weakness after nutrition support begins?

Refeeding after prolonged undernutrition can precipitate hypophosphatemia. Severe phosphate depletion may cause marked weakness and respiratory failure.

How can hyperphosphatemia lead to tingling or muscle spasms?

Hyperphosphatemia may be accompanied by hypocalcemia, which can cause tingling or tetany-like symptoms. Follow calcium and phosphate results and the prescribed plan.

Which finding takes priority: stable mild hyponatremia or hyperkalemia with a widening QRS?

A widening QRS with hyperkalemia signals immediate risk of a lethal dysrhythmia. Urgent escalation and cardiac monitoring take priority over stable or mild abnormalities.

Do sodium imbalances have a single characteristic ECG pattern?

Sodium imbalances primarily affect neurologic status and volume status; they do not have a single characteristic ECG pattern.

Why must severe hyponatremia be corrected in a controlled manner?

Correcting sodium too rapidly can cause osmotic demyelination. Severe symptomatic hyponatremia may require prescribed hypertonic saline with close sodium monitoring and controlled correction.

What context should guide interpretation of an electrolyte result?

Interpret electrolyte results alongside symptoms, trends, renal function, and the patient’s overall condition; reference ranges vary by laboratory.