ATI RN
ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation Questions
Question 1 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 2 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 3 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.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who is having a subclavian central venous catheter inserted. The client begins to report chest pain and difficulty breathing. After administering oxygen, which action should the nurse take next?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prepare to assist with chest tube insertion. Chest pain and difficulty breathing after subclavian central venous catheter insertion could indicate a pneumothorax, a potential complication. Chest tube insertion is indicated to help re-expand the lung and relieve the pressure in the thoracic cavity. This intervention takes priority over the other options because it addresses the potential life-threatening complication of a pneumothorax. Administering nitroglycerin (choice A) is not indicated for chest pain in this scenario. Placing a sterile dressing over the IV site (choice C) is not appropriate for managing chest pain and difficulty breathing. Re-positioning the client into the Trendelenburg position (choice D) is not effective in addressing a pneumothorax and may worsen the client's condition.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving an epidural infusion for pain management. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention from the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Report of headache and stiff neck. This finding indicates a potential complication of epidural anesthesia called a post-dural puncture headache, which can lead to serious consequences like meningitis or subdural hematoma. The nurse should act immediately by notifying the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. Redness at the catheter insertion site (A) may indicate local inflammation but doesn't require immediate intervention. Temperature elevation (C) could be a sign of infection but isn't as urgent as a headache and stiff neck. Pain rating of 8 (D) is important but doesn't indicate an immediate threat to the client's health like a post-dural puncture headache.