ATI RN
ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation Questions
Question 1 of 9
A client at risk for developing hyperkalemia states, 'I love fruit and usually eat it every day, but now I can't because of my high potassium level.' How should the nurse respond?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Option C is correct because berries, cherries, apples, and peaches are indeed low in potassium compared to other fruits. This response acknowledges the client's love for fruits while providing suitable alternatives to manage potassium levels. By choosing these low-potassium fruits, the client can continue enjoying fruits without exacerbating hyperkalemia. Incorrect options: A: Potatoes and avocados are high in potassium, so they are not suitable substitutes. B: Cooking fruit does not significantly reduce its potassium content. D: This option lacks guidance and does not offer a solution to the client's concern about high potassium levels.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse is caring for a client who has the following arterial blood values: pH 7.12, PaO2 56 mm Hg, PaCO2 65 mm Hg, and HCO3 22 mEq/L. Which clinical situation should the nurse correlate with these values?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diabetic ketoacidosis in a person with emphysema. The arterial blood values show a low pH (acidosis), high PaCO2 (respiratory acidosis), and normal HCO3 (compensatory metabolic alkalosis). This pattern is consistent with a mixed acid-base disorder seen in diabetic ketoacidosis where metabolic acidosis from ketone production is partially compensated by respiratory acidosis from decreased alveolar ventilation due to emphysema. The other choices do not align with the given blood values. Choice B is incorrect as it would typically show respiratory alkalosis. Choice C would show respiratory alkalosis with low PaCO2. Choice D would result in metabolic acidosis with low HCO3.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse is caring for an older adult client who is admitted with moderate dehydration. Which intervention should the nurse implement to prevent injury while in the hospital?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because dangling the client on the bedside before ambulating helps prevent orthostatic hypotension and potential falls. This step allows the nurse to assess the client's tolerance to changes in position and reduces the risk of injury. A: Asking family members to speak quietly does not directly address the prevention of injury related to dehydration. B: Assessing urine parameters is important for monitoring hydration status but does not directly prevent injury. C: Encouraging fluid intake is important for rehydration but does not directly address the risk of injury during ambulation.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is caring for clients with electrolyte imbalances on a medical-surgical unit. Which clinical manifestations are correctly paired with the contributing electrolyte imbalance? (Select all that do not apply.)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because hyperphosphatemia can lead to paresthesia with sensations of tingling and numbness due to its effect on nerve function. A, hypokalemia causes muscle weakness but not flaccid paralysis with respiratory depression. C, hyponatremia typically presents with symptoms such as confusion and seizures, not decreased level of consciousness.
Question 5 of 9
You are performing an admission assessment on an older adult patient newly admitted for end-stage liver disease. What principle should guide your assessment of the patients skin turgor?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Inelastic skin turgor is a normal part of aging. As people age, their skin loses elasticity and becomes less turgid, which can affect skin turgor assessment. Skin turgor assessment is an important indicator of hydration status, and in older adults, it is normal for the skin to be less elastic. This is due to changes in collagen and elastin fibers in the skin with aging. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because overhydration is not common among healthy older adults, dehydration causes the skin to appear tented rather than spongy, and skin turgor can still be assessed in patients over 70, although it may be less reliable due to natural changes in skin elasticity with aging.
Question 6 of 9
You are caring for a patient with a diagnosis of pancreatitis. The patient was admitted from a homeless shelter and is a vague historian. The patient appears malnourished and on day 3 of the patients admission total parenteral nutrition (TPN) has been started. Why would you know to start the infusion of TPN slowly?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Malnourished patients receiving parenteral nutrition are at risk for hypophosphatemia if calories are started too aggressively. Patient with pancreatitis may have depleted levels of phosphorus due to malnutrition, and rapid initiation of TPN can further decrease phosphorus levels, leading to hypophosphatemia. This can result in respiratory failure, muscle weakness, and arrhythmias. Choice A is incorrect because patients receiving TPN are not specifically at risk for hypercalcemia due to rapid initiation of calories. Choice C is incorrect because rapid fluid infusion can lead to hypernatremia, not related to TPN initiation. Choice D is incorrect because the rationale provided for slow initiation is not related to digestive enzymes but rather to prevent hypophosphatemia in malnourished patients.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse assesses a client who is prescribed a medication that inhibits aldosterone secretion and release. For which potential complications should the nurse assess? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why option A is correct: 1. Inhibition of aldosterone secretion leads to decreased sodium reabsorption and increased water excretion. 2. Decreased aldosterone can result in decreased blood volume and BP, leading to decreased urine output. 3. Monitoring urine output is crucial to assess renal function and fluid balance. 4. A urine output of 25 mL/hr is considered inadequate and can indicate renal impairment or dehydration. Summary: Option A is correct as it directly relates to the mechanism of action of inhibiting aldosterone secretion. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the expected complications of aldosterone inhibition.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse teaches a client who is prescribed a central vascular access device. Which statement should the nurse include in this clients teaching?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C Rationale: 1. Choice C is correct because it emphasizes the importance of cleaning connections before accessing the device to prevent infection. 2. Sterile technique during insertion cannot guarantee no risk of infection (Choice B). 3. Wearing a sling is unnecessary for a central vascular access device (Choice A). 4. The statement about not being able to take a bath is not accurate and is not a common restriction (Choice D).
Question 9 of 9
A patient has questioned the nurses administration of IV normal saline, asking whether sterile water would be a more appropriate choice than saltwater. Under what circumstances would the nurse administer electrolyte-free water intravenously?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because electrolyte-free water, such as sterile water, can rapidly enter red blood cells due to osmotic differences, causing them to swell and potentially rupture, leading to hemolysis. This can result in severe harm to the patient. Choice B is incorrect because electrolyte-free water is not indicated for severely dehydrated patients with neurologic signs and symptoms. They require electrolytes to correct their imbalances. Choice C is incorrect as administering electrolyte-free water would not address excess calcium and/or magnesium ions in the body. Specific treatments for hypercalcemia or hypermagnesemia are needed. Choice D is incorrect because patients with fluid deficits due to renal failure require electrolyte-balanced solutions to manage their condition effectively. Electrolyte-free water would not address the electrolyte imbalances associated with renal failure.