A patient with dehydration shows tachycardia, hypotension, and dry mucous membranes. Which IV solution would be most appropriate to administer?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline). Rationale: Normal saline is the most appropriate IV solution for a dehydrated patient exhibiting tachycardia, hypotension, and dry mucous membranes because it is isotonic and helps restore intravascular volume effectively. The 0.9% sodium chloride solution closely resembles the electrolyte composition of extracellular fluid, making it suitable for fluid resuscitation in cases of dehydration. This solution helps to replenish both water and electrolytes, thereby improving the patient's hemodynamic status and overall hydration levels. Summary of other choices: A: 0.45% sodium chloride (half-normal saline) is hypotonic and may not effectively address the electrolyte imbalance and volume depletion seen in dehydration. B: The choice is missing, but it would be incorrect if it was an inappropriate solution for dehydration. C: Dextrose 5% in water (D5W) is a

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sodium pump. The sodium-potassium pump is a vital active transport mechanism in cells that moves sodium and potassium ions against their concentration gradients. It uses ATP to pump 3 sodium ions out of the cell and 2 potassium ions into the cell. This process helps maintain the cell's resting membrane potential and is crucial for nerve impulse transmission. Now, let's analyze why the other choices are incorrect: A: Filtration - Filtration is a passive process based on pressure differentials, not active transport involving specific pumps for sodium and potassium ions. C: Diffusion - Diffusion is a passive process where molecules move from an area of high concentration to low concentration, not involving the active transport of sodium and potassium against their gradients. D: Osmosis - Osmosis is the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane, not the active transport of sodium and potassium ions by specific pumps like the sodium-potassium pump.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because avocados and oranges are low in sodium, indicating understanding of a low-sodium diet. Dried fruits (A) are often high in sodium due to processing. Tomato juice (B) can be high in sodium unless it's low-sodium. A cheeseburger (D) typically contains high amounts of sodium, especially with extra ketchup. By choosing avocado and orange salad, the patient demonstrates good knowledge of low-sodium food choices.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Kussmaul respirations. In metabolic acidosis, the body compensates by increasing the respiratory rate to exhale excess CO2 and decrease acidity in the blood. Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breaths that help restore the acid-base balance. Increased urinary output (A) is not a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis. Reduced abdominal distention (B) is unrelated to acid-base imbalances. Decreased blood pressure (D) is not a typical compensatory response to metabolic acidosis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice A is correct: 1. Checking the patient's blood glucose level is crucial as TPN can significantly affect glucose levels. 2. Regular monitoring helps prevent complications like hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. 3. Following facility protocol ensures consistency and accuracy in patient care. 4. Timely intervention based on blood glucose levels can prevent adverse effects. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: Increasing infusion rate without proper assessment can lead to metabolic complications. C: TPN administration method depends on patient condition, not a fixed duration. D: Monitoring peripheral IV site is irrelevant for TPN, which requires a central line.