Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Osmosis and osmolality. When a hypertonic solution is infused, it increases the number of dissolved particles in the blood, creating an osmotic pressure gradient. This causes fluids in the tissues to shift into the capillaries, increasing blood volume. Osmosis is the movement of solvent (water) across a semi-permeable membrane to equalize solute concentrations. Osmolality refers to the concentration of solutes in a solution. Hydrostatic pressure (choice A) is the force exerted by a fluid against a wall when it is under pressure, not related to the movement of solutes. Diffusion (choice C) is the movement of solute molecules from an area of high concentration to low concentration, not involving a semi-permeable membrane. Active transport (choice D) requires energy to move molecules across a membrane against their concentration gradient, not the mechanism described in the scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B - The kidneys excrete hydrogen ions and conserve bicarbonate ions to help restore balance. Rationale: 1. In metabolic acidosis, the blood pH is low due to excess acid in the body. 2. To restore pH balance, the kidneys excrete hydrogen ions (acid) and conserve bicarbonate ions (a base). 3. By excreting acid and retaining base, the kidneys help neutralize the excess acid in the body. 4. Option B accurately describes the role of the kidneys in metabolic acidosis. Incorrect Choices: A: Incorrect. The kidneys do not retain hydrogen ions in metabolic acidosis; they excrete them. C: Incorrect. While the kidneys do play a role in correcting imbalances, they do not react rapidly in metabolic acidosis. D: Incorrect. The kidneys do regulate bicarbonate levels, but this is not the primary action in metabolic acidosis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first is to assess the client's respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth (Choice A). Diminished handgrip strength in a client with hypokalemia could indicate potential respiratory muscle weakness, which can lead to respiratory distress or failure. By assessing the client's respiratory status, the nurse can determine if immediate intervention is needed to support breathing. Choice B is incorrect because measuring the client's pulse and blood pressure may not address the underlying issue of respiratory muscle weakness. Choice C is incorrect as it delays potential life-saving interventions by simply documenting findings. Choice D is incorrect as calling the healthcare provider should come after addressing the client's immediate respiratory needs.

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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "I will drink at least three glasses of milk each day." Milk is a good source of calcium and bicarbonate, which can help buffer excess acids in the body and prevent metabolic acidosis. Calcium also plays a role in maintaining the acid-base balance. Option B is incorrect because while eating well-balanced meals is important for overall health, it does not specifically address the prevention of metabolic acidosis. Option C is irrelevant to the prevention of metabolic acidosis. Option D is incorrect because avoiding salting food does not directly address the underlying issue of metabolic acidosis related to malnutrition.