ATI RN
Fluid and Electrolytes ATI Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 65-year-old male patient was admitted to a medical-surgical unit 72 hours ago with pyloric stenosis; a nasogastric tube was inserted upon admission and has been on low intermittent suction since then. The nurse taking care of the patient notices that his potassium is very low and becomes concerned that the patient may be at risk for:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Probably the most common cause of metabolic alkalosis is vomiting or gastric suction with loss of hydrogen and chloride ions. The disorder also occurs in pyloric stenosis in which only gastric fluid is lost. Vomiting, gastric suction, and pyloric stenosis all remove potassium and can cause hypokalemia.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse preparing a site for the insertion of an IV catheter should treat excess hair at the site by:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hair can be a source of infection and should be removed by clipping. Shaving the area can cause skin abrasions, and depilatories can irritate the skin.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is evaluating a patient's laboratory results. Based upon the laboratory findings, what results will cause the release of an antidiuretic hormone (ADH)?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Increased serum sodium causes increased thirst and the release of ADH by the posterior pituitary gland.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is visiting an 84-year-old woman living at home and recovering from hip surgery. The woman seems confused and has poor skin turgor, and she states that 'she stops drinking water early in the day because it is too difficult to get up during the night to go to the bathroom.' The nurse explains to the woman that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. In elderly patients, fluid deficits can lead to confusion and cognitive impairment. Limiting fluids can disrupt the body's balance, leading to such symptoms. Adjusting the timing of fluids can help maintain hydration without causing nighttime interruptions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the underlying issue of fluid imbalance causing confusion. Choice A suggests unnecessary hospital readmission and medication adjustments. Choice C incorrectly normalizes confusion post-surgery and suggests it is safe not to urinate at night, which can exacerbate the issue. Choice D inaccurately attributes confusion to sleep loss rather than fluid imbalance.
Question 5 of 5
A patient with hypokalemia and heart failure is admitted to the telemetry unit. The nurse is aware that hypokalemia could cause which of the following abnormalities on an electrocardiogram (ECG)?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypokalemia often causes characteristic ECG changes, including an elevated U wave and flattened T waves.
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