ATI RN
ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing excessive diarrhea. The clients arterial blood gas values are pH 7.28, PaO2 98 mm Hg, PaCO2 45 mm Hg, and HCO3 16 mEq/L. Which provider order should the nurse expect to receive?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sodium bicarbonate 100 mEq diluted in 1 L of D5W. In this case, the client is experiencing metabolic acidosis due to low HCO3 levels (16 mEq/L) with a low pH (7.28). Sodium bicarbonate helps correct metabolic acidosis by increasing the HCO3 levels. Furosemide (A) is a diuretic and can worsen the client's electrolyte imbalance. Mechanical ventilation (C) is not indicated for metabolic acidosis. Indwelling urinary catheter (D) does not address the underlying acid-base imbalance. Therefore, the nurse should expect the provider to order sodium bicarbonate to correct the metabolic acidosis.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is planning care for a client who is hyperventilating. The clients arterial blood gas values are pH 7.30, PaO2 94 mm Hg, PaCO2 31 mm Hg, and HCO3 26 mEq/L. Which question should the nurse ask when developing this clients plan of care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "You appear anxious. What is causing your distress?" because hyperventilation can be triggered by emotional distress or anxiety. By addressing the underlying cause of the hyperventilation, the nurse can provide appropriate interventions to help the client manage their anxiety and subsequently reduce the hyperventilation episodes. A: "Do you take any over-the-counter medications?" - This question is not directly related to addressing the client's anxiety or distress, which is the primary concern in hyperventilation. C: "Do you have a history of anxiety attacks?" - While relevant to understanding the client's medical history, this question does not address the immediate cause of hyperventilation in this specific situation. D: "You are breathing fast. Is this causing you to feel light-headed?" - This question focuses on the physical symptoms of hyperventilation rather than exploring the emotional or psychological triggers, which are essential in managing hyperventilation caused by anxiety.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has just had a central venous access line inserted. Which action should the nurse take next?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ensure an x-ray is completed to confirm placement. This is crucial to prevent complications such as pneumothorax or incorrect placement. X-ray confirmation is the gold standard to verify the central line's proper positioning before initiating any infusions. Option A is incorrect because starting the infusion without confirming placement can lead to serious complications. Option C is unnecessary for central line insertion. Option D is important but not the immediate next step as confirming placement takes precedence for patient safety.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse assesses a client who has a radial artery catheter. Which assessment should the nurse complete first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Presence of an ulnar pulse. This is the most important assessment to complete first because the presence of an ulnar pulse indicates adequate circulation in the hand, ensuring that the radial artery catheter is not compromising blood flow. If the ulnar pulse is absent, it may signify impaired circulation and potential complications such as ischemia. Choice A is incorrect because the amount of pressure in the fluid container is not directly related to the assessment of the radial artery catheter. Choice B is incorrect because the date of catheter tubing change is important for infection control but not the immediate priority in this situation. Choice C is incorrect as the percent of heparin in the infusion container is important for anticoagulation therapy but does not take precedence over assessing circulation in the hand.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse teaches a client who is being discharged home with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Which statement should the nurse include in this clients teaching?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Avoid carrying your grandchild with the arm that has the central catheter." This is important because carrying a child can put strain on the arm where the catheter is inserted, increasing the risk of dislodging or damaging the catheter. It is crucial to protect the integrity of the catheter site to prevent complications such as infection or bleeding. Choice B is incorrect because placing the arm with the central catheter in a sling during the day is unnecessary and could restrict the client's mobility and lead to discomfort. Choice C is incorrect because flushing the PICC line with normal saline should be done by a healthcare professional and not the client themselves. Choice D is incorrect because using the arm with the central catheter for most activities of daily living can increase the risk of accidental dislodgment or damage to the catheter. It is important to be cautious and limit certain activities to protect the catheter and maintain its function.