ATI RN
Nutrition and Fluid Balance Questions
Question 1 of 5
A marathon runner collapses from heat exhaustion. Which fluid imbalance is likely?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Hyponatremia. Heat exhaustion leads to excessive sweating, causing loss of sodium and water. This imbalance results in low sodium levels in the blood. Hypernatremia (A) is high sodium levels and is not likely in this scenario. Hyperkalemia (C) and Hypokalemia (D) are imbalances in potassium levels, not sodium, and are not directly related to heat exhaustion. Therefore, the most likely fluid imbalance in a marathon runner collapsing from heat exhaustion is Hyponatremia due to excessive sweating and sodium loss.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is admitted with severe burns and a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. What is the most likely cause of the hyperkalemia?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cellular destruction. Severe burns can lead to significant tissue damage, causing intracellular potassium to leak into the bloodstream, resulting in hyperkalemia. Increased dietary intake of potassium (Choice B) would not cause such a rapid rise in serum potassium levels. Diuretic therapy (Choice C) typically leads to potassium loss, not hyperkalemia. Excessive vomiting (Choice D) can result in hypokalemia due to potassium loss, not hyperkalemia. In this case, the most likely cause of hyperkalemia in a patient with severe burns is the release of potassium from damaged cells into the bloodstream.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse uses a picture to show how ions equalize their concentration by which passive transport process?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Diffusion. Diffusion is the passive transport process where ions move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until equilibrium is reached. This aligns with the scenario described in the question where ions equalize their concentration. Osmosis (A) specifically refers to the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane. Filtration (B) involves the movement of solutes through a membrane due to pressure differences. Titration (C) is a laboratory technique used to determine the concentration of a substance in a solution and is not related to passive transport processes like diffusion.
Question 4 of 5
Which finding is most important for the nurse to confirm prior to hanging an intravenous (IV) bag containing potassium?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Check for urine output of at least 30 mL/h. Prior to hanging an IV bag containing potassium, it is crucial to ensure an adequate urine output to prevent the risk of hyperkalemia. Potassium is excreted primarily through urine, so monitoring urine output helps assess kidney function and the ability to eliminate potassium efficiently. Low urine output could indicate potential kidney issues, increasing the risk of potassium buildup in the body. Incorrect choices: A: Verify a blood pressure of at least 60 mm Hg diastolic - While blood pressure is important for assessing perfusion, it is not directly related to potassium administration. C: Ensure filter placement on the IV line - While filter placement is important for preventing particulate matter from entering the bloodstream, it is not directly related to potassium administration. D: Verify a pulse of at least 50 beats per minute - Although pulse rate is essential for assessing cardiac function, it is not specifically related to potassium administration.
Question 5 of 5
The patient who has had diarrhea for the last 3 days has blood gases of pH of 7.1, HCO3- of 20 mEq/L, and PCO2 of 36 mm Hg. These laboratory values are consistent with which acid-base imbalance?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The given pH of 7.1 indicates acidemia. The low HCO3- of 20 mEq/L points to metabolic acidosis. The PCO2 of 36 mm Hg is normal, ruling out respiratory acidosis or alkalosis. In metabolic acidosis, the kidneys cannot excrete enough acid or retain enough bicarbonate. This leads to a decrease in serum HCO3- levels causing an acidotic state. Choices A, B, and C do not align with the provided blood gas values, making them incorrect.