ATI RN
ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation Questions
Question 1 of 9
After teaching a client who was malnourished and is being discharged, a nurse assesses the clients understanding. Which statement indicates the client correctly understood teaching to decrease risk for the development of metabolic acidosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "I will drink at least three glasses of milk each day." Milk is a good source of calcium and bicarbonate, which can help buffer excess acids in the body and prevent metabolic acidosis. Calcium also plays a role in maintaining the acid-base balance. Option B is incorrect because while eating well-balanced meals is important for overall health, it does not specifically address the prevention of metabolic acidosis. Option C is irrelevant to the prevention of metabolic acidosis. Option D is incorrect because avoiding salting food does not directly address the underlying issue of metabolic acidosis related to malnutrition.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse is preparing to insert a peripheral IV catheter into a patient who will require fluids and IV antibiotics. How should the nurse always start the process of insertion?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C Rationale: Asking the patient about allergies to latex or iodine is crucial before starting the IV insertion process. This step ensures patient safety and prevents potential allergic reactions. Knowing the patient's allergies allows the nurse to select appropriate materials for the procedure, reducing the risk of complications. Summary of Other Choices: A: Leaving one hand ungloved is not recommended as it compromises infection control practices. B: Cleansing the skin with normal saline is important but should come after confirming allergies to latex or iodine. D: Removing excessive hair from the site is unnecessary and not a standard practice for starting the IV insertion process.
Question 3 of 9
You are caring for a patient with a secondary diagnosis of hypermagnesemia. What assessment finding would be most consistent with this diagnosis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Shallow respirations. Hypermagnesemia can lead to respiratory depression due to its inhibitory effect on the central nervous system. Shallow respirations are a common respiratory manifestation of hypermagnesemia. Hypertension (choice A) is not typically associated with hypermagnesemia. Kussmaul respirations (choice B) are deep, rapid breathing patterns seen in metabolic acidosis, not hypermagnesemia. Increased deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) (choice C) are more indicative of hypomagnesemia, as magnesium deficiency can lead to hyperexcitability of nerves and muscles, resulting in increased DTRs.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is caring for a client who has the following laboratory results: potassium 3.4 mEq/L, magnesium 1.8 mEq/L, calcium 8.5 mEq/L, sodium 144 mEq/L. Which assessment should the nurse complete first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct assessment for the nurse to complete first is A: Depth of respirations. Potassium and magnesium levels are crucial electrolytes that can affect cardiac function. Hypokalemia (low potassium) and hypomagnesemia (low magnesium) can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias. Checking the depth of respirations can provide valuable information on the client's respiratory status and potential respiratory distress due to electrolyte imbalances. This assessment takes precedence as addressing respiratory issues promptly is essential to prevent further complications. Assessing bowel sounds (B), grip strength (C), and electrocardiography (D) are important but not as immediate as assessing respiratory status in this scenario.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse assesses a client who is prescribed a medication that inhibits aldosterone secretion and release. For which potential complications should the nurse assess? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why option A is correct: 1. Inhibition of aldosterone secretion leads to decreased sodium reabsorption and increased water excretion. 2. Decreased aldosterone can result in decreased blood volume and BP, leading to decreased urine output. 3. Monitoring urine output is crucial to assess renal function and fluid balance. 4. A urine output of 25 mL/hr is considered inadequate and can indicate renal impairment or dehydration. Summary: Option A is correct as it directly relates to the mechanism of action of inhibiting aldosterone secretion. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the expected complications of aldosterone inhibition.
Question 6 of 9
You are caring for a 65-year-old male patient admitted to your medical unit 72 hours ago with pyloric stenosis. A nasogastric tube placed upon admission has been on low intermittent suction ever since. Upon review of the mornings blood work, you notice that the patients potassium is below reference range. You should recognize that the patient may be at risk for what imbalance?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Metabolic alkalosis. Pyloric stenosis can lead to vomiting, causing loss of gastric acid and chloride ions, leading to metabolic alkalosis. Low potassium levels are common in metabolic alkalosis due to potassium shifting into cells to compensate for the alkalosis. Hypercalcemia (choice A) is not associated with pyloric stenosis. Metabolic acidosis (choice B) typically presents with low pH and bicarbonate levels. Respiratory acidosis (choice D) is caused by impaired gas exchange in the lungs, not related to pyloric stenosis.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse evaluates a clients arterial blood gas values (ABGs): pH 7.30, PaO2 86 mm Hg, PaCO2 55 mm Hg, and HCO3 22 mEq/L. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess the airway. The nurse should prioritize airway assessment as the client's ABGs indicate respiratory acidosis (low pH, high PaCO2). This suggests potential airway obstruction or inadequate ventilation. Ensuring a patent airway is crucial for adequate oxygenation. Administering bronchodilators (B) or mucolytics (D) may help with airway clearance but should come after ensuring a clear airway. Providing oxygen (C) is important, but addressing the underlying respiratory acidosis by first assessing the airway is the priority in this situation to prevent further deterioration.
Question 8 of 9
The community health nurse is performing a home visit to an 84-year-old woman recovering from hip surgery. The nurse notes that the woman seems uncharacteristically confused and has dry mucous membranes. When asked about her fluid intake, the patient states, I stop drinking water early in the day because it is just too difficult to get up during the night to go to the bathroom. What would be the nurses best response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because limiting fluids can lead to dehydration, which can cause confusion and dry mucous membranes. Adjusting the timing of fluids can help maintain hydration without causing frequent nighttime bathroom trips. Choice A is incorrect because hospital readmission is not necessary at this point. Choice C is incorrect as it normalizes confusion post-surgery and dangerous practice of avoiding urination at night. Choice D is incorrect because urine accumulation in the bladder does not directly cause confusion; dehydration is the primary concern.
Question 9 of 9
A home care nurse prepares to administer intravenous medication to a client. The nurse assesses the site and reviews the clients chart prior to administering the medication: Client: Thomas Jackson DOB: 5/3/1936 Gender: Male January 23 (Today): Right uppe
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer the prescribed medication. The nurse has assessed the client's site and reviewed the chart, indicating readiness to administer the medication. It is crucial to follow the healthcare provider's order and administer the prescribed medication as planned. Notifying the provider (A) is unnecessary if all assessments are normal. Discontinuing the PICC line (C) without a valid reason can lead to complications. Switching to oral route (D) should only be considered if there are specific contraindications for the intravenous route. It's important to prioritize safe and effective medication administration based on the client's condition and healthcare provider's orders.