ATI RN
Chapter 14 Nutrition and Fluid Balance Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient has been diagnosed with a brain tumor that cannot be removed surgically. During each office visit, the nurse will be assessing the patient for syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Which of the following assessments would alert the clinic nurse that the patient may be developing this complication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Complaints that his urine output is decreased, no edema noted in ankles, and increasing headache. Rationale: 1. Decreased urine output: SIADH leads to water retention, causing decreased urine output. 2. No edema in ankles: SIADH causes dilutional hyponatremia, not fluid overload like in other conditions causing edema. 3. Increasing headache: Due to cerebral edema from water retention, a common symptom of SIADH. Summary of incorrect choices: B: Elevated blood glucose levels, dry mucous membranes, and severe projectile vomiting - These are not typical signs of SIADH. C: Fever, diarrhea, and nausea - These symptoms are not specific to SIADH. D: Muscle cramps, pins and needles sensation around the mouth/lips, and unexplained bruising - These are not characteristic symptoms of SIADH.
Question 2 of 5
A 56-year-old female hospital patient with a history of alcohol abuse is receiving intravenous (IV) phosphate replacement. Which of the following health problems will this IV therapy most likely resolve?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The client is acidotic and has impaired platelet function. IV phosphate replacement helps correct acidosis by buffering excess hydrogen ions and restoring normal pH levels. Acidosis can impair platelet function, leading to bleeding disorders. A: The client has an accumulation of fluid in her peritoneal cavity - IV phosphate replacement does not directly address this issue. C: The client has an irregular heart rate and a thready pulse - IV phosphate replacement does not directly affect heart rate and pulse rhythm. D: The client has abdominal spasms and hyperactive reflexes - IV phosphate replacement does not directly address these symptoms.
Question 3 of 5
An elderly patient presents with confusion, muscle cramps, and a serum sodium level of 118 mEq/L. What is the most appropriate treatment plan?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Provide hypertonic saline slowly. In this scenario, the patient has hyponatremia (low serum sodium level), which can lead to neurological symptoms like confusion and muscle cramps. The treatment goal is to increase sodium levels gradually to avoid complications such as osmotic demyelination syndrome. Hypertonic saline is the appropriate choice as it will raise sodium levels effectively without causing rapid shifts that can be harmful. Isotonic saline (choice A) may not provide enough sodium correction, fluid restriction (choice B) may worsen symptoms, and encouraging high-sodium foods (choice D) may not be sufficient or controlled.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is discussing weight loss with a nurse. The patient says, I will not eat for 2 weeks, then I will lose at least 10 pounds. What should the nurse tell the patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is option D: "That will decrease your metabolic rate and make weight loss more difficult." Fasting for an extended period, such as two weeks, will indeed slow down the body's metabolic rate. When the body is deprived of food for a prolonged period, it goes into a survival mode where it conserves energy by decreasing the metabolic rate. This adaptive response is a natural mechanism to protect the body from starvation. As a result, weight loss becomes more challenging as the body holds on to its energy stores. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they all provide misinformation that fasting for a long period is an effective or beneficial way to lose weight. Encouraging such behavior can be dangerous and lead to various health risks, including nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, weakened immunity, and even organ damage. Rapid weight loss through extreme measures like prolonged fasting is not sustainable and can have detrimental effects on overall health. From an educational standpoint, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of adopting healthy and sustainable weight loss practices, such as balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and lifestyle modifications. Educating patients about the negative consequences of extreme weight loss methods can help them make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Promoting a gradual and realistic approach to weight loss is key to long-term success and overall health maintenance.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse performing a nutritional assessment determines BMI of a 5-foot 11-inch male patient who weighs 180 pounds. What would be the BMI for this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is option C) 25.1. BMI is calculated by dividing the weight of the individual (in kilograms) by the square of their height (in meters). In this case, the patient weighs 180 pounds, which is approximately 81.65 kg, and has a height of 5 feet 11 inches, which is approximately 1.803 meters. When we divide 81.65 by (1.803)^2, we get a BMI of approximately 25.1. Option A) 18.5 is incorrect because it is a lower BMI value, indicating underweight. Option B) 20.3 is also incorrect as it falls within the normal weight range, but the correct BMI for this patient is slightly higher. Option D) 28.2 is incorrect as it represents a BMI in the overweight range, which is not the case for this patient. Understanding BMI is crucial in assessing an individual's nutritional status and risk for various health conditions. It is a valuable tool for healthcare professionals to evaluate and monitor patients' overall health and nutritional needs. By calculating BMI, healthcare providers can identify individuals who may be underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese, and tailor interventions accordingly to promote better health outcomes.