ATI RN
Chapter 14 Nutrition and Fluid Balance Answer Key Questions
Question 1 of 5
If metabolic acidosis is caused by a pulmonary disease, the respiratory system will not be capable of acting as a buffering system.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Metabolic acidosis results from an increase in acid levels in the body due to a non-respiratory cause. Step 2: If metabolic acidosis is caused by a pulmonary disease, it implies that the respiratory system is already compromised. Step 3: When the respiratory system is affected by a pulmonary disease, its ability to buffer the acid-base imbalance is diminished. Step 4: Therefore, if metabolic acidosis is caused by a pulmonary disease, the respiratory system cannot effectively act as a buffering system. Summary: Choice A is correct because when a pulmonary disease causes metabolic acidosis, the respiratory system's buffering capacity is impaired. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not explain the relationship between pulmonary disease and metabolic acidosis.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
An older adult patient receiving iso-osmolar continuous enteral nutrition develops restlessness, agitation, and weakness. Which laboratory result should the nurse report to the health care provider immediately?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Na+ 154 mEq/L (154 mmol/L). High sodium levels can indicate hypernatremia, which can lead to neurological symptoms like restlessness, agitation, and weakness in older adults. This condition can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed. A: K+ 3.4 mEq/L is slightly low but not an immediate concern for neurological symptoms. B: Ca+2 7.8 mg/dL is within the normal range, and low calcium levels typically do not present with the described symptoms. D: Base balance is not a specific laboratory result and is not directly related to the symptoms described.