Anaesthesia & Critical Care

20 learning units • 100 chapter sections • 200 explained questions. Prepare patients for anaesthesia, recognise perioperative emergencies and understand organ support, critical-care teamwork and recovery.

Original RAHBAR study material for the Year 5 learning pathway. Clinical cases support supervised undergraduate learning. Treatment choices, doses and procedures must follow current local protocols and the responsible clinical team. References & further reading ↓

MODULE 09 / 20

Fluids, Electrolytes & Acid-Base Assessment

Separate resuscitation from maintenance and interpret biochemical changes in clinical context.

Answer all 10 questions, then submit to see your score and explanations. This is a self-study exercise; results are not saved.

Question 01. Which distinction is central to fluid prescribing? A. Clear bags versus coloured bags aloneB. Daytime versus night-time aloneC. Resuscitation versus maintenance versus replacementD. Surgical versus non-surgical labels alone

Question 02. Is fluid automatically appropriate for every low blood pressure reading? A. NoB. YesC. Only after anaesthesiaD. Only if the patient is fasting

Question 03. What should follow an indicated fluid challenge? A. Automatic repetition without reviewB. Stopping all observationsC. Assuming normal circulation permanentlyD. Reassessment of benefit and signs of overload

Question 04. Can excess fluid worsen respiratory function? A. NoB. Only if orally administeredC. Only after dischargeD. Yes

Question 05. Does peripheral oedema prove adequate effective circulating volume? A. NoB. YesC. Only in renal diseaseD. Only in heart disease

Question 06. What should be considered with a severe potassium abnormality? A. Only the printed numberB. Only dietary preferenceC. Clinical state, renal function, ECG and result reliabilityD. No urgency if pain is absent

Question 07. Why are sodium correction plans individualised? A. Every abnormal sodium needs identical rapid correctionB. Sodium never affects the brainC. Cause and duration affect the safety of correctionD. Only body weight matters

Question 08. What variables help interpret an acid-base disturbance? A. pH aloneB. Saturation aloneC. pH, carbon dioxide, bicarbonate and clinical findingsD. Pulse rate alone

Question 09. Can a near-normal pH conceal a mixed acid-base disorder? A. NoB. Only after surgeryC. YesD. Only in children

Question 10. When should intravenous maintenance fluids be reviewed? A. Only when every bag is finishedB. Never after prescribingC. Only at dischargeD. As intake, losses and clinical status change

0 / 10 answered

References & Further Reading

Read the relevant guideline sections alongside these original clinical teaching cases. Local pathways, available services and individual patient factors determine care.

Reference review: 29 September 2026. Consult current local protocols for prescribing, procedures and escalation.