ATI RN
Chapter 14 Nutrition and Fluid Balance Answer Key Questions
Question 1 of 5
What percentage of the total body weight in adults is water?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D (70%). The human body is composed of approximately 60-70% water in adults. Water is essential for various physiological functions, such as regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The body's water content varies based on factors like age, gender, and body composition. Choice A (30%) is too low, as it would be insufficient for the body to function properly. Choice B (50%) is closer but still underestimates the actual water percentage. Choice C (60%) is a common misconception but falls within the lower range of the correct percentage. Therefore, choice D is the most accurate representation of the average adult's total body water content.
Question 2 of 5
Respiratory acidosis is caused by which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Respiratory acidosis is caused by an increase in CO2 levels due to inadequate ventilation (A). Hypoventilation decreases the removal of CO2, leading to its accumulation and respiratory acidosis. Hyperventilation (B) reduces CO2 levels, causing respiratory alkalosis. Diarrhea (C) and excessive vomiting (D) result in metabolic acidosis due to loss of bicarbonate, not respiratory acidosis.
Question 3 of 5
If a patient has a serum sodium of 150 mEq/L, which fluid imbalance do they have?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypernatremia. A serum sodium level of 150 mEq/L indicates an elevated sodium concentration in the blood, which signifies hypernatremia. Hypernatremia occurs when there is an excess of sodium relative to water in the body, leading to dehydration and increased serum sodium levels. Hyponatremia (choice A) is characterized by low sodium levels, while choices C and D (Hypokalemia and Hyperkalemia) refer to imbalances in potassium levels, not sodium. Hypernatremia is the appropriate diagnosis based on the given serum sodium level.
Question 4 of 5
A patient presents with confusion, muscle cramps, and a serum potassium of 2.9 mEq/L. What is the most appropriate intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer IV potassium chloride. The patient has hypokalemia (low potassium levels) which can lead to serious complications like cardiac arrhythmias. IV potassium chloride is the fastest way to increase potassium levels in severe cases. Choice B is not appropriate as oral potassium may be too slow. Choice C, calcium gluconate, is used for hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia. Choice D, sodium bicarbonate, does not address the potassium deficiency. Administering IV potassium chloride is the most appropriate and urgent intervention to quickly correct the low potassium levels and prevent further complications.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is found unconscious with a blood pH of 7.20, PaCO₂ of 50 mmHg, and HCO₃⻠of 25 mEq/L. What is the most likely cause of this condition?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Diabetic ketoacidosis. In DKA, the body produces excess ketones due to lack of insulin, leading to metabolic acidosis. The low blood pH (acidosis), elevated PaCO2 (due to compensatory respiratory response), and low HCO3- levels are consistent with this condition. Sedative overdose (A) would not cause metabolic acidosis. Hyperventilation (B) would lead to respiratory alkalosis, not acidosis. Excessive vomiting (D) would result in metabolic alkalosis, not acidosis. Thus, the most likely cause in this scenario is diabetic ketoacidosis.