ATI RN
ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse evaluates a clients arterial blood gas values (ABGs): pH 7.30, PaO2 86 mm Hg, PaCO2 55 mm Hg, and HCO3 22 mEq/L. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess the airway. The nurse should prioritize airway assessment as the client's ABGs indicate respiratory acidosis (low pH, high PaCO2). This suggests potential airway obstruction or inadequate ventilation. Ensuring a patent airway is crucial for adequate oxygenation. Administering bronchodilators (B) or mucolytics (D) may help with airway clearance but should come after ensuring a clear airway. Providing oxygen (C) is important, but addressing the underlying respiratory acidosis by first assessing the airway is the priority in this situation to prevent further deterioration.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has just had a central venous access line inserted. Which action should the nurse take next?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ensure an x-ray is completed to confirm placement. This is crucial to prevent complications such as pneumothorax or incorrect placement. X-ray confirmation is the gold standard to verify the central line's proper positioning before initiating any infusions. Option A is incorrect because starting the infusion without confirming placement can lead to serious complications. Option C is unnecessary for central line insertion. Option D is important but not the immediate next step as confirming placement takes precedence for patient safety.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse assesses a client who has a radial artery catheter. Which assessment should the nurse complete first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Presence of an ulnar pulse. This is the most important assessment to complete first because the presence of an ulnar pulse indicates adequate circulation in the hand, ensuring that the radial artery catheter is not compromising blood flow. If the ulnar pulse is absent, it may signify impaired circulation and potential complications such as ischemia. Choice A is incorrect because the amount of pressure in the fluid container is not directly related to the assessment of the radial artery catheter. Choice B is incorrect because the date of catheter tubing change is important for infection control but not the immediate priority in this situation. Choice C is incorrect as the percent of heparin in the infusion container is important for anticoagulation therapy but does not take precedence over assessing circulation in the hand.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse teaches a client who is being discharged home with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Which statement should the nurse include in this clients teaching?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Avoid carrying your grandchild with the arm that has the central catheter." This is important because carrying a child can put strain on the arm where the catheter is inserted, increasing the risk of dislodging or damaging the catheter. It is crucial to protect the integrity of the catheter site to prevent complications such as infection or bleeding. Choice B is incorrect because placing the arm with the central catheter in a sling during the day is unnecessary and could restrict the client's mobility and lead to discomfort. Choice C is incorrect because flushing the PICC line with normal saline should be done by a healthcare professional and not the client themselves. Choice D is incorrect because using the arm with the central catheter for most activities of daily living can increase the risk of accidental dislodgment or damage to the catheter. It is important to be cautious and limit certain activities to protect the catheter and maintain its function.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who is having a subclavian central venous catheter inserted. The client begins to report chest pain and difficulty breathing. After administering oxygen, which action should the nurse take next?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prepare to assist with chest tube insertion. Chest pain and difficulty breathing after subclavian central venous catheter insertion could indicate a pneumothorax, a potential complication. Chest tube insertion is indicated to help re-expand the lung and relieve the pressure in the thoracic cavity. This intervention takes priority over the other options because it addresses the potential life-threatening complication of a pneumothorax. Administering nitroglycerin (choice A) is not indicated for chest pain in this scenario. Placing a sterile dressing over the IV site (choice C) is not appropriate for managing chest pain and difficulty breathing. Re-positioning the client into the Trendelenburg position (choice D) is not effective in addressing a pneumothorax and may worsen the client's condition.