ATI RN
ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is assessing clients for fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Which client should the nurse assess first for potential hyponatremia?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because intravenous D5W is a hypotonic solution that can lead to dilutional hyponatremia. D5W does not contain sodium, so it can cause a decrease in serum sodium levels. Clients on NPO status receiving D5W are at higher risk due to lack of sodium intake. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly contribute to hyponatremia. Sulfonamide antibiotics, ibuprofen, and digoxin are not typically associated with causing hyponatremia. Therefore, assessing the client on NPO status receiving D5W for potential hyponatremia is the priority.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has the following laboratory results: potassium 3.4 mEq/L, magnesium 1.8 mEq/L, calcium 8.5 mEq/L, sodium 144 mEq/L. Which assessment should the nurse complete first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct assessment for the nurse to complete first is A: Depth of respirations. Potassium and magnesium levels are crucial electrolytes that can affect cardiac function. Hypokalemia (low potassium) and hypomagnesemia (low magnesium) can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias. Checking the depth of respirations can provide valuable information on the client's respiratory status and potential respiratory distress due to electrolyte imbalances. This assessment takes precedence as addressing respiratory issues promptly is essential to prevent further complications. Assessing bowel sounds (B), grip strength (C), and electrocardiography (D) are important but not as immediate as assessing respiratory status in this scenario.
Question 3 of 5
A client with a serum potassium of 7.5 mEq/L and cardiovascular changes needs immediate intervention. Which prescription should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The client's high serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L can lead to serious cardiovascular complications like arrhythmias. The immediate priority is to lower potassium levels rapidly to prevent cardiac arrest. Administering dextrose 20% and regular insulin IV push helps shift potassium from extracellular to intracellular space, lowering serum levels quickly. Option A (Kayexalate) is not as rapid as insulin therapy. Option B (low-potassium diet) is not immediate. Option D (hemodialysis) is effective but not as quick as insulin therapy for urgent potassium reduction.
Question 4 of 5
While assessing clients on a medical-surgical unit, which client is at risk for hypokalemia?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Client with pancreatitis who has continuous nasogastric suctioning. Pancreatitis can lead to gastrointestinal losses of potassium, and continuous nasogastric suctioning can further exacerbate this potassium loss, putting the client at risk for hypokalemia. The other choices are incorrect because: B: ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia. C: Blood transfusions can lead to hyperkalemia due to the potassium content in blood products. D: Uncontrolled diabetes and a serum pH level of 7.33 are not directly associated with hypokalemia.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client with hypokalemia and notes that the client's handgrip strength has diminished since the previous assessment 1 hour ago. Which action should the nurse take first?
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.