A 56-year-old female hospital patient with a history of alcohol abuse is receiving intravenous (IV) phosphate replacement. Which of the following health problems will this IV therapy most likely resolve?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: The client is acidotic and has impaired platelet function. IV phosphate replacement helps correct acidosis by buffering excess hydrogen ions and restoring normal pH levels. Acidosis can impair platelet function, leading to bleeding disorders. A: The client has an accumulation of fluid in her peritoneal cavity - IV phosphate replacement does not directly address this issue. C: The client has an irregular heart rate and a thready pulse - IV phosphate replacement does not directly affect heart rate and pulse rhythm. D: The client has abdominal spasms and hyperactive reflexes - IV phosphate replacement does not directly address these symptoms.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is option D: "That will decrease your metabolic rate and make weight loss more difficult." Fasting for an extended period, such as two weeks, will indeed slow down the body's metabolic rate. When the body is deprived of food for a prolonged period, it goes into a survival mode where it conserves energy by decreasing the metabolic rate. This adaptive response is a natural mechanism to protect the body from starvation. As a result, weight loss becomes more challenging as the body holds on to its energy stores. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they all provide misinformation that fasting for a long period is an effective or beneficial way to lose weight. Encouraging such behavior can be dangerous and lead to various health risks, including nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, weakened immunity, and even organ damage. Rapid weight loss through extreme measures like prolonged fasting is not sustainable and can have detrimental effects on overall health. From an educational standpoint, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of adopting healthy and sustainable weight loss practices, such as balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and lifestyle modifications. Educating patients about the negative consequences of extreme weight loss methods can help them make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Promoting a gradual and realistic approach to weight loss is key to long-term success and overall health maintenance.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is option C) 25.1. BMI is calculated by dividing the weight of the individual (in kilograms) by the square of their height (in meters). In this case, the patient weighs 180 pounds, which is approximately 81.65 kg, and has a height of 5 feet 11 inches, which is approximately 1.803 meters. When we divide 81.65 by (1.803)^2, we get a BMI of approximately 25.1. Option A) 18.5 is incorrect because it is a lower BMI value, indicating underweight. Option B) 20.3 is also incorrect as it falls within the normal weight range, but the correct BMI for this patient is slightly higher. Option D) 28.2 is incorrect as it represents a BMI in the overweight range, which is not the case for this patient. Understanding BMI is crucial in assessing an individual's nutritional status and risk for various health conditions. It is a valuable tool for healthcare professionals to evaluate and monitor patients' overall health and nutritional needs. By calculating BMI, healthcare providers can identify individuals who may be underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese, and tailor interventions accordingly to promote better health outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Continue with care; this is a normal fluid intake. A daily fluid intake of 2,000 mL falls within the normal adult range of 1,500-2,500 mL, indicating the patient is adequately hydrated. It is crucial for nurses to understand normal fluid intake ranges to avoid unnecessary interventions like forcing fluids (option A), which could lead to fluid overload. Asking the patient to drink more water (option B) is unnecessary and could potentially disrupt the patient's normal fluid balance. Posting a sign limiting fluids to 1,000 mL (option C) would be incorrect and could harm the patient's health by restricting adequate hydration. Understanding normal fluid intake ranges is essential in providing appropriate patient care, ensuring optimal hydration without causing harm.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Yes, take calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. The rationale behind this is that older adults, especially women, have specific nutritional needs that may not be met through diet alone. Calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health, as women are at a higher risk of osteoporosis as they age. Vitamin B12 is important because its absorption decreases with age, leading to potential deficiencies that can impact energy levels and nerve function. Option B) Yes, take iron, folic acid, and iodine is incorrect because iron and iodine needs vary based on individual health conditions and should not be taken without proper assessment by a healthcare provider. Folic acid is essential for women of childbearing age but may not be a priority for a post-menopausal woman. Option C) No, instead increase intake of carbohydrates is incorrect as increasing carbohydrate intake may not address the specific needs related to aging and bone health that the woman in question is inquiring about. Carbohydrates are important for energy, but they do not directly address the concerns raised by the woman. Option D) No, increase fat intake for fat-soluble vitamins is incorrect because while fat-soluble vitamins do require some fat for absorption, increasing fat intake may not be necessary or healthy, especially without considering individual health status and dietary habits. In an educational context, it is crucial to highlight the importance of individualized nutritional recommendations based on age, gender, health status, and lifestyle factors. Encouraging individuals to seek guidance from healthcare professionals before starting any supplements is key to ensuring they meet their specific needs and avoid potential risks or deficiencies. Older adults, in particular, should be aware of their unique nutritional requirements to support healthy aging and overall well-being.