ATI RN
ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation Questions
Question 1 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 2 of 5
You are an emergency-room nurse caring for a trauma patient. Your patient has the following arterial blood gas results: pH 7.26, PaCO2 28, HCO3 11 mEq/L. How would you interpret these results?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: To interpret the given ABG results: 1. pH <7.35 indicates acidosis. 2. PaCO2 <35 indicates respiratory alkalosis. 3. HCO3 <22 indicates metabolic acidosis. Therefore, the ABG results show metabolic acidosis (low pH, low HCO3) with compensatory respiratory alkalosis (low PaCO2). This means the body is trying to compensate for the metabolic acidosis by decreasing PaCO2 through hyperventilation. Option D is correct. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the ABG results and the principles of acid-base balance.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse assesses a client who is prescribed furosemide (Lasix) for hypertension. For which acid-base imbalance should the nurse assess to prevent complications of this therapy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Metabolic alkalosis. Furosemide, a loop diuretic, can lead to potassium depletion and metabolic alkalosis due to excessive loss of chloride and hydrogen ions. The nurse should assess for signs of metabolic alkalosis such as confusion, muscle weakness, and dysrhythmias to prevent complications. Respiratory acidosis and alkalosis are not directly related to furosemide therapy. Metabolic acidosis is less likely due to furosemide's mechanism of action.
Question 4 of 5
You are the nurse caring for a 77-year-old male patient who has been involved in a motor vehicle accident. You and your colleague note that the patients labs indicate minimally elevated serum creatinine levels, which your colleague dismisses. What can this increase in creatinine indicate in older adults?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Substantially reduced renal function. In older adults, elevated serum creatinine levels can indicate impaired kidney function, as the kidneys may not filter waste products as efficiently. This can lead to a buildup of creatinine in the blood. Acute kidney injury (Choice B) is a sudden decline in kidney function and would typically present with a more significant increase in creatinine levels. Decreased cardiac output (Choice C) would not directly cause elevated creatinine levels. Alterations in the ratio of body fluids to muscle mass (Choice D) would not be a common cause of elevated creatinine levels in this scenario.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is planning care for a client who is hyperventilating. The clients arterial blood gas values are pH 7.30, PaO2 94 mm Hg, PaCO2 31 mm Hg, and HCO3 26 mEq/L. Which question should the nurse ask when developing this clients plan of care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "You appear anxious. What is causing your distress?" because hyperventilation can be triggered by emotional distress or anxiety. By addressing the underlying cause of the hyperventilation, the nurse can provide appropriate interventions to help the client manage their anxiety and subsequently reduce the hyperventilation episodes. A: "Do you take any over-the-counter medications?" - This question is not directly related to addressing the client's anxiety or distress, which is the primary concern in hyperventilation. C: "Do you have a history of anxiety attacks?" - While relevant to understanding the client's medical history, this question does not address the immediate cause of hyperventilation in this specific situation. D: "You are breathing fast. Is this causing you to feel light-headed?" - This question focuses on the physical symptoms of hyperventilation rather than exploring the emotional or psychological triggers, which are essential in managing hyperventilation caused by anxiety.
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