ATI RN
Chapter 14 Nutrition and Fluid Balance Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for an 80-year-old patient. Which finding is the best early indicator of dehydration in this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Constipation. Constipation is the best early indicator of dehydration in an 80-year-old patient because dehydration can lead to decreased gastrointestinal motility, resulting in constipation. Reduced skin turgor (A) is a late sign of dehydration. Increased temperature (C) can be a sign of other conditions, not specifically dehydration. Thirst (D) is a normal physiological response to dehydration but may not be the best early indicator in older adults who may have decreased thirst sensation.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient with renal failure and notes fatigue, muscle cramps, confusion, and headache. Which laboratory abnormality corresponds with these findings?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sodium of 129 mEq/L. In renal failure, hyponatremia (low sodium) can cause fatigue, muscle cramps, confusion, and headache. Low sodium levels can lead to neurological symptoms and muscle weakness. Other choices are incorrect: A: Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness but not confusion or headache. C: Hypocalcemia can cause muscle cramps but not confusion. D: Hypochloremia is not associated with the described symptoms.
Question 3 of 5
A normal glomerular filtration rate is
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B (80 to 125 mL/min) because it falls within the normal range of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in adults, which is typically around 90-120 mL/min. GFR represents the amount of blood filtered by the glomeruli per minute and serves as an essential indicator of kidney function. Option A is incorrect as a GFR below 60 mL/min is indicative of kidney dysfunction. Option C is incorrect as a GFR of 125-180 mL/min is considered above the normal range. Option D is incorrect as a GFR exceeding 189 mL/min could indicate hyperfiltration, often seen in conditions like diabetes.
Question 4 of 5
The most common cause of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients is
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: sepsis. Sepsis is the leading cause of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients due to systemic inflammation and decreased blood flow to the kidneys. Sepsis can lead to septic shock, causing renal hypoperfusion. Fluid overload (B) can contribute to kidney injury but is not the most common cause. Medications (C) can cause kidney injury, but sepsis is more prevalent in critically ill patients. Hemodynamic instability (D) can lead to kidney injury, but sepsis is a more frequent cause in this population.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient with acute kidney injury who is being treated with hemodialysis. The patient asks if he will need dialysis for the rest of his life. Which of the following would be the best response?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: "Recovery is possible, but it may take several months." This response provides a balanced and realistic outlook for the patient. Acute kidney injury can be reversible with appropriate treatment and management. Recovery time varies, and it may take several months for the kidneys to regain function. Option A is incorrect as it inaccurately states kidney injury is always permanent. Option B is incorrect as kidney function returning within 2 weeks is not typical in cases of acute kidney injury. Option C is incorrect as increased urination is not a definitive indicator of kidney recovery. Thus, option D is the best response as it offers hope for recovery while acknowledging the potential time it may take.