ATI RN
ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation Questions
Question 1 of 9
The ICU nurse is caring for a patient who experienced trauma in a workplace accident. The patient is complaining of having trouble breathing with abdominal pain. An ABG reveals the following results: pH 7.28, PaCO2 50 mm Hg, HCO3 23 mEq/L. The nurse should recognize the likelihood of what acidbase disorder?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Mixed acid-base disorder. The ABG results show a pH within the acidic range (7.28), indicating acidosis. The PaCO2 is elevated (50 mm Hg), suggesting respiratory acidosis as the primary disorder. However, the HCO3 level is within normal range (23 mEq/L), which is not consistent with compensatory metabolic alkalosis. Therefore, the presence of both respiratory acidosis and normal HCO3 levels indicates a mixed acid-base disorder. Choice A (Respiratory acidosis) is incorrect because although the patient has an elevated PaCO2, the normal HCO3 level rules out a pure respiratory acidosis. Choice B (Metabolic alkalosis) and C (Respiratory alkalosis) are incorrect as the ABG results do not support these diagnoses.
Question 2 of 9
Diagnostic testing has been ordered to differentiate between normal anion gap acidosis and high anion gap acidosis in an acutely ill patient. What health problem typically precedes normal anion gap acidosis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Excessive administration of chloride. Normal anion gap acidosis is commonly caused by an excessive intake of chloride-containing solutions like normal saline during treatment. This leads to an increase in the plasma chloride concentration, causing a decrease in the anion gap. Metastases (A) are not typically associated with normal anion gap acidosis. Excessive potassium intake (B) would not lead to normal anion gap acidosis but rather hyperkalemia. Water intoxication (C) can lead to dilutional hyponatremia but not normal anion gap acidosis.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse is caring for a client who has the following arterial blood values: pH 7.12, PaO2 56 mm Hg, PaCO2 65 mm Hg, and HCO3 22 mEq/L. Which clinical situation should the nurse correlate with these values?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diabetic ketoacidosis in a person with emphysema. The arterial blood values show a low pH (acidosis), high PaCO2 (respiratory acidosis), and normal HCO3 (compensatory metabolic alkalosis). This pattern is consistent with a mixed acid-base disorder seen in diabetic ketoacidosis where metabolic acidosis from ketone production is partially compensated by respiratory acidosis from decreased alveolar ventilation due to emphysema. The other choices do not align with the given blood values. Choice B is incorrect as it would typically show respiratory alkalosis. Choice C would show respiratory alkalosis with low PaCO2. Choice D would result in metabolic acidosis with low HCO3.
Question 4 of 9
You are the nurse caring for a patient who is to receive IV daunorubicin, a chemotherapeutic agent. You start the infusion and check the insertion site as per protocol. During your most recent check, you note that the IV has infiltrated so you stop the infusion. What is your main concern with this infiltration?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Extravasation of the medication. Extravasation occurs when the infused medication leaks into surrounding tissues, potentially causing tissue damage and necrosis. This is a serious concern with vesicant medications like daunorubicin. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications. Choice B: Discomfort to the patient is incorrect because while discomfort may occur with infiltration, the main concern is the potential for tissue damage from extravasation. Choice C: Blanching at the site is incorrect as it is a common sign of infiltration, but the main concern is the possibility of extravasation and tissue damage. Choice D: Hypersensitivity reaction to the medication is incorrect as it is a different type of reaction that is not directly related to infiltration or extravasation.
Question 5 of 9
You are caring for a patient who is being treated on the oncology unit with a diagnosis of lung cancer with bone metastases. During your assessment, you note the patient complains of a new onset of weakness with abdominal pain. Further assessment suggests that the patient likely has a fluid volume deficit. You should recognize that this patient may be experiencing what electrolyte imbalance?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hypercalcemia. Bone metastases in lung cancer can lead to increased release of calcium into the blood, causing hypercalcemia. The patient's symptoms of weakness and abdominal pain are consistent with hypercalcemia. Hypernatremia (choice A) is unlikely as the symptoms do not align with high sodium levels. Hypomagnesemia (choice B) and hypophosphatemia (choice C) are less likely as they are not typically associated with bone metastases in lung cancer. In summary, the patient's presentation of weakness and abdominal pain in the setting of lung cancer with bone metastases points to hypercalcemia as the most likely electrolyte imbalance.
Question 6 of 9
You are making initial shift assessments on your patients. While assessing one patients peripheral IV site, you note edema around the insertion site. How should you document this complication related to IV therapy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Infiltration Rationale: 1. Infiltration occurs when IV fluid leaks into surrounding tissues, causing edema. 2. Documenting infiltration is important for appropriate management. 3. Air emboli, phlebitis, and fluid overload are unrelated to edema around IV site. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A. Air emboli: This is a serious condition caused by air entering the bloodstream, not related to edema. B. Phlebitis: Inflammation of the vein, usually presenting with redness and pain, not edema. D. Fluid overload: Excess fluid volume in the body, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, not edema.
Question 7 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.
Question 8 of 9
A patient's most recent laboratory results show a slight decrease in potassium. The physician has opted to forego drug therapy but has suggested increasing the patient's dietary intake of potassium. Which of the following would be a good source of potassium?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Bananas. Bananas are a good source of potassium, with around 400-500 mg per banana. Potassium is essential for maintaining proper muscle function, nerve signaling, and fluid balance in the body. Increasing dietary intake of potassium can help address a slight decrease in potassium levels without the need for drug therapy. Apples, asparagus, and carrots are not as high in potassium as bananas, making them less effective choices for addressing a potassium deficiency.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse is assessing a client who has acute pancreatitis and is at risk for an acid-base imbalance. For which manifestation of this acid-base imbalance should the nurse assess?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Kussmaul respirations. In acute pancreatitis, metabolic acidosis can occur due to the release of pancreatic enzymes. Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breaths that help to blow off excess carbon dioxide in response to acidosis, aiming to correct the pH imbalance. Agitation (A) is a nonspecific symptom and not specific to acid-base imbalances. Seizures (C) are more commonly associated with electrolyte imbalances such as hyponatremia or hypocalcemia. Positive Chvostek's sign (D) is a clinical sign of hypocalcemia, not directly related to acid-base imbalances in acute pancreatitis.