ATI RN
Chapter 14 Nutrition and Fluid Balance Answer Key Questions
Question 1 of 5
Acidosis causes the kidneys to excrete more H+, which reduces the amount of K+ secreted, causing K+ retention.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Acidosis leads to increased H+ excretion by the kidneys to help regulate blood pH. Step 2: In response to increased H+ excretion, there is a decrease in the excretion of K+ ions. Step 3: Reduced K+ excretion leads to K+ retention in the body. Therefore, the correct answer is A (TRUE). Acidosis does indeed cause the kidneys to excrete more H+, which in turn reduces the amount of K+ secreted, resulting in K+ retention. Option B is incorrect because it contradicts the physiological relationship between acidosis, H+ excretion, and K+ retention. Options C and D are not applicable as they are placeholders.
Question 2 of 5
The kidneys are the first line of defence against changes in acid-base balance because they are the most powerful mechanism for maintaining pH.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: FALSE. The kidneys are not the first line of defense against changes in acid-base balance; they are the second line of defense. The first line of defense is the buffer systems in the body, which include bicarbonate, phosphate, and proteins. These buffer systems act quickly to prevent drastic changes in pH. The kidneys come into play as a slower but more powerful mechanism for maintaining pH by regulating the excretion or retention of hydrogen ions and bicarbonate ions. Therefore, while the kidneys are crucial in long-term regulation of acid-base balance, they are not the first line of defense.
Question 3 of 5
The respiratory system can compensate completely for metabolic acidosis.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: FALSE. The respiratory system can partially compensate for metabolic acidosis by increasing ventilation to eliminate excess CO2. However, it cannot completely compensate as it cannot directly regulate bicarbonate levels in the blood. The kidneys play a crucial role in fully compensating for metabolic acidosis by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate. Choice A is incorrect because the respiratory system alone cannot fully compensate for metabolic acidosis. Choices C and D are not applicable as they do not provide any relevant information regarding the statement.
Question 4 of 5
A patient who has a small cell cancer of the lung develops syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). The nurse should notify the health care provider about which assessment finding?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Serum sodium of 120 mg/dL. In SIADH, there is excessive release of ADH, leading to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia. A serum sodium level of 120 mg/dL indicates severe hyponatremia and requires immediate intervention to prevent neurological complications. Choice A is incorrect because a serum hematocrit of 42% does not directly relate to SIADH. Choice C is incorrect because a urinary output of 280 mL in 8 hours is not a significant concern in SIADH as the condition leads to water retention and concentrated urine. Choice D is incorrect because a reported weight gain of 2.2 pounds could be related to fluid retention but is not as urgent as addressing severe hyponatremia in SIADH.
Question 5 of 5
An older adult patient who is malnourished presents to the emergency department with a serum protein level of 5.2 g/dL. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Edema. In a malnourished patient with low serum protein levels, particularly albumin, there is a decreased oncotic pressure, leading to fluid shifting into interstitial spaces and causing edema. Pallor (choice A) is associated with anemia, not malnutrition. Restlessness (choice C) is not a typical manifestation of malnutrition. Confusion (choice D) is more commonly seen in severe malnutrition or certain vitamin deficiencies, but it is not the most immediate clinical manifestation in this scenario.