Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI) Practice Exam

Which signs and symptoms are not typically associated with isotonic dehydration?

1. Thirst and confusion

2. Edema and anorexia

3. Dry skin and palpitations

4. Increased heart rate and fever

The correct answer is: Edema and anorexia

Isotonic dehydration occurs when there is a loss of body fluids in equal proportions, resulting in a decrease in extracellular fluid volume. The signs and symptoms typically associated with this condition include increased thirst due to fluid loss, potential confusion as a response to decreased circulation and perfusion, dry skin related to fluid deficiency, palpitations arising from cardiovascular compensation, and increased heart rate to maintain blood pressure. Fever may also occur as the body may react to underlying conditions causing dehydration. The presence of edema, which indicates fluid retention rather than loss, and anorexia, a loss of appetite, are not common in isotonic dehydration. Instead, isotonic dehydration generally results in a more uniform loss of fluids, without the significant fluid retention that would cause edema. Therefore, the symptoms of edema and anorexia are inconsistent with what is typically observed in cases of isotonic dehydration.