ATI RN
Chapter 14 Nutrition and Fluid Balance Workbook Answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
The buffering abilities of the kidneys are more powerful than the respiratory system, because the kidneys can work to completely restore pH to normal.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is B (FALSE) because while kidneys play a crucial role in regulating pH balance by excreting or reabsorbing bicarbonate ions, they are not as rapid as the respiratory system in adjusting pH levels. The respiratory system can rapidly adjust pH by altering breathing rate and depth. Therefore, the statement that kidneys can completely restore pH to normal is inaccurate. This is because kidneys are slower acting and may not be able to fully compensate for significant pH imbalances in a short period of time. Other choices (A, C, D) are not applicable as they do not provide a relevant response to the question.
Question 2 of 5
Carbon dioxide is unintentionally increased as a cause of respiratory acidosis but is deliberately increased as a compensation for metabolic alkalosis.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. In respiratory acidosis, there is an increase in carbon dioxide levels due to impaired gas exchange, leading to acidosis. To compensate for metabolic alkalosis, the body deliberately increases carbon dioxide levels through hypoventilation to help restore acid-base balance. This deliberate increase in carbon dioxide helps to lower pH and counteract the alkalosis. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect the relationship between carbon dioxide levels and respiratory acidosis or metabolic alkalosis.
Question 3 of 5
The home health nurse cares for an alert and oriented older adult patient with a history of dehydration. Which instructions should the nurse give this patient related to fluid intake?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Increasing fluids when the mouth feels dry is a reliable indicator of dehydration. Thirst sensation may be blunted in older adults, so waiting until feeling thirsty (choice B) may be too late. Drinking more fluids in the late evening (choice A) may lead to nocturia and disrupt sleep. Feeling confused (choice D) is a late sign of dehydration and not a reliable indicator for increasing fluid intake.
Question 4 of 5
A patient who is lethargic and with deep, rapid respirations has the following arterial blood gas (ABG) results: pH 7.32, PaO 88 mm Hg, PaCO 2 2
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Respiratory Acidosis. Rationale: 1. The low pH of 7.32 indicates acidosis. 2. The PaCO2 level of 88 mm Hg is high, indicating respiratory acidosis. 3. Deep, rapid respirations are a compensatory mechanism to try to decrease CO2 levels. 4. PaO2 level is not significantly low to suggest respiratory alkalosis. Summary: A: Incorrect. The low HCO3 level and high PaCO2 suggest respiratory acidosis, not base balance. B: Incorrect. While acidosis is present, it is respiratory, not metabolic. C: Incorrect. The ABG results do not support metabolic alkalosis.
Question 5 of 5
A patient who has been hospitalized for 2 days, has a nasogastric tube to low suction and is receiving normal saline IV at 100 mL/hr. Which assessment finding would be a priority for the nurse to report to the health care provider?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased alertness since admission. This finding indicates a potential neurological issue, such as electrolyte imbalance or fluid overload, which could be critical for the patient's well-being. The nurse should report this immediately to prevent further complications. A: Oral temperature of 100.1 F is a low-grade fever and may indicate infection, but it is not as urgent as a neurological issue. C: Weight gain of 2 pounds over 2 days may suggest fluid retention, but it is not as critical as a neurological change. D: Serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L is within the normal range and does not indicate an immediate threat to the patient's health.