PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is the normal replacement of sodium and potassium in mEq/kg per day for surgical patients?

1. 0.5 mEq/kg sodium and 1 mEq/kg potassium

2. 1 mEq/kg sodium and 0.5 mEq/kg potassium

3. 2 mEq/kg sodium and 1 mEq/kg potassium

4. 0.5 mEq/kg sodium and 2 mEq/kg potassium

The correct answer is: 1 mEq/kg sodium and 0.5 mEq/kg potassium

In surgical patients, ensuring proper electrolyte balance is critical for maintaining physiological function, especially regarding sodium and potassium levels. The normal replacement requirements for sodium are about 1 mEq/kg per day, while potassium needs are generally around 0.5 mEq/kg per day. This specific balance is vital because sodium plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions, while potassium is essential for cardiac function, nerve transmission, and muscle contractions as well. Surgical patients may have altered needs due to factors such as preoperative fasting, fluid losses, and stress responses to surgery. Thus, the choice of 1 mEq/kg for sodium helps prevent hyponatremia, which can lead to complications such as confusion, seizures, or even coma. Meanwhile, providing 0.5 mEq/kg for potassium helps avoid hypokalemia, which can lead to dangerous cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Given these considerations, the choice aligns perfectly with established guidelines for perioperative care.