ATI RN
Nutrition and Fluid Balance Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client is brought to the emergency department with complaints of shortness of breath. Assessment reveals a full, bounding pulse, severe edema, and audible crackles in lower lung fields bilaterally. What is the client's most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fluid volume excess. The client's symptoms of full, bounding pulse, severe edema, and crackles in the lung fields suggest fluid overload. A full, bounding pulse indicates increased circulating volume. Severe edema and crackles in the lungs are classic signs of fluid overload leading to pulmonary congestion. Hyponatremia (A) presents with different symptoms like confusion and muscle cramps. Electrolyte imbalance: hypocalcemia (C) would not typically present with the described symptoms. Hyperkalemia (D) would manifest with cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness, not the symptoms described.
Question 2 of 5
A patient with chronic kidney disease is experiencing severe pruritus and signs of hypocalcemia. What intervention would address both the symptoms and underlying cause?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: Administering vitamin D supplements is the correct intervention for a patient with chronic kidney disease experiencing pruritus and signs of hypocalcemia. Vitamin D helps in calcium absorption and regulation, addressing the underlying cause of hypocalcemia. By increasing calcium levels, pruritus can also be alleviated. Summary: A: Administering vitamin D supplements is correct as it addresses both symptoms and the underlying cause. B: Prescribing a high-phosphate diet would worsen the condition as excess phosphate can further decrease calcium levels. C: Providing diuretics to reduce fluid retention does not address the hypocalcemia or pruritus. D: Increasing oral calcium intake through supplements may be harmful without addressing the underlying cause of hypocalcemia.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with hypokalemia is prescribed oral potassium supplements. What instruction should the nurse provide?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Take the medication with a full glass of water or food. This instruction is important because potassium supplements can irritate the stomach lining and cause gastrointestinal upset. Taking it with water or food helps to minimize these side effects. Option A is incorrect because potassium supplements should be taken with food to reduce gastric irritation. Option B is incorrect as crushing potassium tablets can lead to local irritation or damage to the esophagus. Option D is incorrect because diarrhea is a common side effect of potassium supplements and does not necessarily warrant discontinuation of the medication.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is establishing an ideal body weight for a 59 healthy female. Based on the rule-of-thumb method, what would be this patients ideal weight?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of establishing ideal body weight for a 5'9" healthy female using the rule-of-thumb method, the correct answer is D) 145 lb. This calculation is derived from the formula of 100 lb for 5 ft, plus 5 lb for each inch over 5 feet. Therefore, for a 5'9" female, it would be 100 lb + (9 inches * 5 lb/inch) = 145 lb. Option A) 130 lb is incorrect because it does not account for the additional height beyond 5 feet. Option B) 135 lb is also incorrect as it falls short of the accurate calculation based on the rule-of-thumb method. Option C) 140 lb is similarly incorrect as it underestimates the ideal weight based on the patient's height. Understanding how to calculate ideal body weight is crucial in healthcare, especially in fields like nutrition and fluid balance. Nurses and healthcare professionals use these calculations to monitor patients' health, assess nutritional status, and determine appropriate interventions. Knowing the accurate ideal body weight helps in creating personalized diet plans, monitoring weight changes, and evaluating overall health and wellness. By grasping the rationale behind calculating ideal body weight, healthcare providers can make informed decisions to support patients in achieving and maintaining optimal health outcomes. It underscores the importance of precision in healthcare assessments and interventions, ensuring the best possible care for individuals.
Question 5 of 5
Most nutritionists recommend increasing fiber in the diet. In addition to other benefits, how does fiber affect cholesterol?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: Increasing fiber in the diet is a commonly recommended practice by nutritionists due to its numerous health benefits, including its impact on cholesterol levels. The correct answer is (A) increases fecal excretion of cholesterol. Fiber, specifically soluble fiber found in foods like oats, fruits, and legumes, binds to cholesterol in the gut. This binding prevents cholesterol from being absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to increased excretion of cholesterol through feces. As a result, blood cholesterol levels decrease, which is beneficial for heart health. Option (B) decreases fecal excretion of cholesterol is incorrect because, as mentioned earlier, fiber actually increases the excretion of cholesterol by binding to it in the gut. Option (C) facilitates intake and use of trans fat is incorrect as fiber does not facilitate the intake or use of trans fats; rather, it aids in the removal of cholesterol. Option (D) raises blood cholesterol levels is also incorrect because fiber has the opposite effect of lowering blood cholesterol levels. Educationally, understanding the role of fiber in cholesterol management is crucial for promoting heart health. Teaching individuals about the benefits of fiber-rich foods and their impact on cholesterol can empower them to make informed dietary choices. Encouraging the consumption of a variety of fiber sources can help individuals achieve optimal cholesterol levels and reduce their risk of heart disease. This knowledge reinforces the importance of a balanced and nutritious diet in maintaining overall health and well-being.