ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -When planning care for a dehydrated patient, the nurse remembers the principle of water balance is closely related to balance. Rationale: Because water follows the osmotic gradients established by changes in salt concentration, water balance is tied to sodium balance.

Detailed explanation-2: -The greatest risk factor is age older than 65 years. In addition, mental or physical disability may result in impaired thirst sensation, an impaired ability to express thirst, and/or decreased access to water. Hypernatremia often is the result of several concurrent factors. The most prominent is poor fluid intake.

Detailed explanation-3: -Which principle should the nurse remember when assessing fluid and electrolyte balance in the elderly? Total body water (TBW) in elderly persons is: isotonic. Feedback: The term “isotonic” refers to a solution that has the same concentration of solutes as the plasma.

Detailed explanation-4: -Rationale: Physical assessment for fluid and electrolyte status focuses on the skin, oral cavity and mucous membranes, eyes, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and neurologic and muscular status. The ears and endocrine system are not a focus of fluid and electrolyte status assessment.

Detailed explanation-5: -Water balance and electrolyte balance are closely linked. The body works to keep the total amount of water and the levels of electrolytes in the blood constant. For example, when the sodium level becomes too high, thirst develops, leading to an increased intake of fluids.