ATI RN
Nursing Clinical Skills questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
Complications common to patients receiving hemodialysis for acute kidney injury include which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypotension. Hemodialysis can lead to hypotension due to rapid fluid removal, causing a drop in blood pressure. This occurs as the dialysis machine removes excess fluid, affecting plasma volume. Hypotension can result in complications like dizziness, nausea, and potential cardiac issues. Dysrhythmias (B) are less common during hemodialysis for acute kidney injury. Muscle cramps (C) may occur due to electrolyte imbalances but are not as common as hypotension. Hemolysis (D) is not a common complication of hemodialysis but can occur if there are issues with the dialysis machine or blood tubing.
Question 2 of 9
In the management of diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome, when is an intravenous (IV) solution that contains dextrose started?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Correct Answer: D Rationale: In diabetic emergencies, starting IV dextrose at 250 mg/dL prevents hypoglycemia while resolving ketoacidosis. Below 250 mg/dL, the body can use endogenous glucose, so IV dextrose is not necessary. Summary: A: Incorrect. Normal saline may be used for initial fluid resuscitation but does not address the need for glucose. B: Incorrect. Starting dextrose at 70 mg/dL may lead to unnecessary hyperglycemia and complications. C: Incorrect. Waiting until 150 mg/dL delays the provision of necessary glucose for metabolic functions.
Question 3 of 9
The patient’s potassium level is 0 mEq/L. Besides dialysis, which of the following actually reduces plasma potassium levels and total body potassium content safely in a patient with renal dysfunction?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate. It works by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the colon, leading to potassium excretion. A is the safest option without the risk of causing hypernatremia or intestinal necrosis like B. Regular insulin (C) may cause hypoglycemia and is not as effective as A in reducing potassium levels. Calcium gluconate (D) does not directly reduce potassium levels and is used for treating hyperkalemia-related cardiac toxicity.
Question 4 of 9
Factors associated with the development of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus include which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heredity. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus can be inherited as a genetic condition. The mutation in genes responsible for regulating water balance in the kidneys can lead to this disorder. Other choices are incorrect: B: Medications like lithium can cause acquired nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, not its development. C: Meningitis is an inflammatory condition that does not directly relate to nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. D: Pituitary tumors are associated with central diabetes insipidus, not nephrogenic.
Question 5 of 9
The patient is on intake and output (I&O), as well as daily weights. The nurse notes that output is considerably less than intake over the last shift, and daily weight is 1 kg more than yesterday. The nurse should
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: assess the patient's lungs. The discrepancy between intake, output, and weight gain indicates a potential fluid imbalance. By assessing the patient's lungs, the nurse can identify signs of fluid overload, such as crackles or difficulty breathing, which could explain the weight gain and imbalance. This step is crucial in determining the underlying cause and guiding further interventions. Drawing a trough level (A) or inserting an indwelling catheter (D) are not necessary at this point and may not address the immediate issue. Placing the patient on fluid restriction (B) should only be considered after a thorough assessment to determine the cause of the imbalance.
Question 6 of 9
The critical care nurse knows that in critically ill patients, renal dysfunction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because renal dysfunction is a common issue in critically ill patients due to factors like sepsis or hypoperfusion. This affects nearly two thirds of patients, leading to potential complications. Choice A is incorrect as renal dysfunction is common, not rare. Choice C is incorrect as mortality rates can still be high even with renal replacement therapy. Choice D is incorrect as renal dysfunction can significantly impact morbidity, mortality, and quality of life in critically ill patients.
Question 7 of 9
A patient with a history of type 1 diabetes and an eating disorder is found unconscious. In the emergency department, the following lab values are obtained: Glucose: 648 mg/dL pH: 88 P CO : 20 mm Hg a 2 P O : 95 mm Hg a 2 HCO ¯: undetectable Anion gap: >31 Na+: 127 mEq/L K+: 5 mEq/L Creatinine: 8 mg/dL After the patient’s airway and ventilation have been established, the next priority for this patient is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: administration of a 1-L normal saline fluid bolus. In this scenario, the patient is likely experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) due to the extremely high glucose levels, low bicarbonate, and anion gap metabolic acidosis. The priority is to correct the dehydration and electrolyte imbalances through fluid resuscitation with normal saline to improve perfusion and reverse the metabolic derangements. Options B, C, and D do not address the immediate need for volume resuscitation and correction of dehydration. Administering insulin or potassium without first addressing the fluid deficit could lead to further complications. Sodium bicarbonate is not recommended in DKA as it can worsen acidosis and has not been shown to improve outcomes.
Question 8 of 9
The patient’s serum creatinine level is 7 mg/dL. The expected BUN level should be
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C (10 to 20 mg/dL). In conditions where the serum creatinine level is elevated (7 mg/dL in this case), the BUN level is expected to also be elevated due to impaired kidney function. BUN levels are typically around 10-20 mg/dL, so this range is the most appropriate given the elevated creatinine level. Choice A (1 to 2 mg/dL) is too low and would not be expected with a creatinine level of 7 mg/dL. Choice B (7 to 14 mg/dL) is a bit low for such a high creatinine level. Choice D (20 to 30 mg/dL) is too high as it exceeds the typical range for BUN levels. Therefore, choice C is the most appropriate range based on the given information.
Question 9 of 9
The patient is getting hemodialysis for the second time when he complains of a headache and nausea and, a little later, of becoming confused. The nurse realizes these are symptoms of
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: dialysis disequilibrium syndrome. This syndrome occurs when there is a rapid shift in electrolytes, especially in the brain, due to the removal of waste products during hemodialysis. The symptoms of headache, nausea, and confusion align with this syndrome as the brain struggles to adjust to the changes. Dialyzer membrane incompatibility (A) is unlikely as it typically presents with allergic reactions, not neurological symptoms. A shift in potassium levels (B) may cause symptoms like muscle weakness or irregular heartbeat, not headache and confusion. Hypothermia (D) would present with low body temperature, shivering, and confusion, but in this case, the symptoms are more indicative of dialysis disequilibrium syndrome.