1. 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

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.

7. The nurse receives the patient’s most recent blood work

results. Which laboratory value is of greatest concern?

a. Sodium of 145 mEq/L

b. Calcium of 15.5 mg/dL

c. Potassium of 3.5 mEq/L

d. Chloride of 100 mEq/L

ANS: B

Normal calcium range is 8.4 to 10.5 mg/dL; therefore, a value of 15.5

mg/dL is abnormally high and of concern. The rest of the laboratory

values are within their normal ranges: sodium 136 to 145 mEq/L;

potassium

3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L; and chloride 98 to 106 mEq/L.

8. The nurse observes that the patient’s calcium is elevated. When