ATI RN
Nutrition and Fluid Balance Chapter 14 Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which electrolyte imbalance causes Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs are clinical manifestations of hypocalcemia, characterized by facial muscle twitching and carpal spasm respectively. Hypocalcemia affects neuromuscular excitability, leading to these signs. Hypernatremia (A), hyperkalemia (C), and hyponatremia (D) do not typically present with Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs as they do not directly affect calcium levels.
Question 2 of 5
A patient with a serum sodium level of 128 mEq/L complains of headache, nausea, and confusion. Which of the following should be a priority?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer hypertonic saline. In a patient with hyponatremia (serum sodium <135 mEq/L), symptoms like headache, nausea, and confusion can indicate severe hyponatremia (<125 mEq/L) with potential for seizures and coma. Hypertonic saline is used to acutely raise sodium levels and treat symptoms of severe hyponatremia. Other options are incorrect because B (oral fluids) can worsen hyponatremia, C (potassium supplements) is not indicated, and D (Trendelenburg position) is not effective for treating hyponatremia.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with cirrhosis and ascites is at risk for which type of fluid imbalance?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fluid volume overload. In cirrhosis with ascites, fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity, leading to an increase in total body fluid volume. The excess fluid causes fluid volume overload, manifesting as edema and weight gain. Choice A is incorrect because ascites indicates fluid accumulation, not deficit. Choice C, hypernatremia, is unlikely as ascites is associated with dilutional hyponatremia. Choice D, hyperkalemia, is not commonly seen in cirrhosis with ascites without other specific factors like renal dysfunction.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with dehydration shows tachycardia, hypotension, and dry mucous membranes. Which IV solution would be most appropriate to administer?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline). Rationale: Normal saline is the most appropriate IV solution for a dehydrated patient exhibiting tachycardia, hypotension, and dry mucous membranes because it is isotonic and helps restore intravascular volume effectively. The 0.9% sodium chloride solution closely resembles the electrolyte composition of extracellular fluid, making it suitable for fluid resuscitation in cases of dehydration. This solution helps to replenish both water and electrolytes, thereby improving the patient's hemodynamic status and overall hydration levels. Summary of other choices: A: 0.45% sodium chloride (half-normal saline) is hypotonic and may not effectively address the electrolyte imbalance and volume depletion seen in dehydration. B: The choice is missing, but it would be incorrect if it was an inappropriate solution for dehydration. C: Dextrose 5% in water (D5W) is a
Question 5 of 5
A patient is admitted for aggressive diuretic therapy for congestive heart failure (CHF). After several doses, the patient complains of muscle cramps and weakness. What electrolyte imbalance should the nurse suspect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypokalemia. Aggressive diuretic therapy can lead to potassium loss, causing muscle cramps and weakness. Potassium is essential for muscle function, and low levels can result in muscle-related symptoms. Hypernatremia (A) is an imbalance of high sodium levels, not typically associated with muscle cramps. Hyperkalemia (C) is high potassium levels and would not be expected with aggressive diuretic therapy. Hyponatremia (D) is low sodium levels, also not directly related to the symptoms described. Therefore, the most likely electrolyte imbalance in this scenario is hypokalemia.