ATI RN
Nutrition and Fluid Balance Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is the importance of regulating ECF osmolarity?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. ECF osmolarity regulation prevents fluid shifts between cells and extracellular fluid. 2. Maintaining osmotic balance is crucial for cellular function and preventing cell damage. 3. Imbalances can lead to dehydration or edema. 4. Other choices are incorrect because: A. Blood pressure regulation involves various mechanisms beyond osmolarity. B. Urine concentration is regulated by the kidneys, not ECF osmolarity. C. Na+ balance primarily affects cell excitability, not ECF osmolarity.
Question 2 of 5
Recognizing the prevalence and incidence of dehydration among older adults, a care aide at a long-term care facility is in the habit of encouraging residents to drink even though they may not feel thirsty at the time. Which of the following facts underlies the care aide's advice?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because older adults often experience a decrease in the sensation of thirst, even when their serum sodium levels are high. This means that they may not feel thirsty even when they are dehydrated, leading to a higher risk of dehydration. This fact underscores the importance of encouraging older adults to drink fluids regularly, even if they don't feel thirsty. Choice B is incorrect because it focuses on metabolic needs rather than the sensation of thirst. Choice C is incorrect as it pertains to kidney function rather than the sensation of thirst. Choice D is incorrect as it discusses the RAAS system's role in sodium clearance, which is not directly related to the sensation of thirst in older adults.
Question 3 of 5
A client is brought to the emergency department with complaints of shortness of breath. Assessment reveals a full, bounding pulse, severe edema, and audible crackles in lower lung fields bilaterally. What is the client's most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fluid volume excess. The client's symptoms of full, bounding pulse, severe edema, and crackles in the lung fields suggest fluid overload. A full, bounding pulse indicates increased circulating volume. Severe edema and crackles in the lungs are classic signs of fluid overload leading to pulmonary congestion. Hyponatremia (A) presents with different symptoms like confusion and muscle cramps. Electrolyte imbalance: hypocalcemia (C) would not typically present with the described symptoms. Hyperkalemia (D) would manifest with cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness, not the symptoms described.
Question 4 of 5
A 52-year-old patient has just passed a kidney stone and has high levels of calcium in her urine. Blood tests show high levels of calcium in her blood as well. What subsequent lab results would be most likely to distinguish between primary hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia of malignancy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Parathyroid hormone level. In this scenario, distinguishing between primary hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia of malignancy is crucial. Primary hyperparathyroidism is characterized by high calcium levels due to overproduction of parathyroid hormone, while hypercalcemia of malignancy is caused by the release of parathyroid hormone-related protein by cancer cells. Measuring the parathyroid hormone level will help differentiate between the two conditions. Bone scan (B) is not specific for these conditions. Plasma phosphate levels (C) may be elevated in primary hyperparathyroidism but are not as specific as parathyroid hormone levels. Serum magnesium level (D) is not directly related to distinguishing between the two conditions.
Question 5 of 5
A patient with chronic kidney disease is experiencing severe pruritus and signs of hypocalcemia. What intervention would address both the symptoms and underlying cause?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: Administering vitamin D supplements is the correct intervention for a patient with chronic kidney disease experiencing pruritus and signs of hypocalcemia. Vitamin D helps in calcium absorption and regulation, addressing the underlying cause of hypocalcemia. By increasing calcium levels, pruritus can also be alleviated. Summary: A: Administering vitamin D supplements is correct as it addresses both symptoms and the underlying cause. B: Prescribing a high-phosphate diet would worsen the condition as excess phosphate can further decrease calcium levels. C: Providing diuretics to reduce fluid retention does not address the hypocalcemia or pruritus. D: Increasing oral calcium intake through supplements may be harmful without addressing the underlying cause of hypocalcemia.