ATI RN
ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation Questions
Question 1 of 5
A gerontologic nurse is teaching students about the high incidence and prevalence of dehydration in older adults. What factors contribute to this phenomenon? Select all that do not apply.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Increased conservation of sodium. Older adults tend to have an increased conservation of sodium, leading to fluid retention and decreased fluid intake, which can contribute to dehydration. A: Decreased kidney mass is incorrect because it is a factor that can contribute to decreased kidney function but not directly linked to dehydration. B: Decreased renal blood flow can impact kidney function but is not a direct cause of dehydration in older adults. C: Decreased excretion of potassium is not a factor that directly contributes to dehydration in older adults.
Question 2 of 5
Diagnostic testing has been ordered to differentiate between normal anion gap acidosis and high anion gap acidosis in an acutely ill patient. What health problem typically precedes normal anion gap acidosis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Excessive administration of chloride. Normal anion gap acidosis is commonly caused by an excessive intake of chloride-containing solutions like normal saline during treatment. This leads to an increase in the plasma chloride concentration, causing a decrease in the anion gap. Metastases (A) are not typically associated with normal anion gap acidosis. Excessive potassium intake (B) would not lead to normal anion gap acidosis but rather hyperkalemia. Water intoxication (C) can lead to dilutional hyponatremia but not normal anion gap acidosis.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient in metabolic alkalosis. The patient has an NG tube to low intermittent suction for a diagnosis of bowel obstruction. What drug would the nurse expect to find on the medication orders?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cimetidine. In metabolic alkalosis, the blood pH is elevated due to excess bicarbonate. Cimetidine is a histamine-2 receptor antagonist that can help decrease gastric acid production, which can contribute to alkalosis. Maalox (B) is an antacid used to treat acid-related conditions, not alkalosis. Potassium chloride elixir (C) is used to correct potassium imbalances, not directly related to alkalosis. Furosemide (D) is a loop diuretic used to treat fluid retention and edema, not specifically indicated for metabolic alkalosis.
Question 4 of 5
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 5 of 5
You are doing discharge teaching with a patient who has hypophosphatemia during his time in hospital. The patient has a diet ordered that is high in phosphate. What foods would you teach this patient to include in his diet? Select all that do not apply
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Beef. While beef is a good source of protein, it is not high in phosphate. Milk, poultry, and liver are high in phosphate and would be beneficial for a patient with hypophosphatemia. Beef is not typically a significant source of phosphate and therefore would not be as effective in increasing phosphate levels in the body compared to the other options. It is important for the patient to focus on consuming foods that are high in phosphate to help correct the hypophosphatemia.