ATI RN
Nutrition and Fluid Balance Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which finding is most important for the nurse to confirm prior to hanging an intravenous (IV) bag containing potassium?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Check for urine output of at least 30 mL/h. Prior to hanging an IV bag containing potassium, it is crucial to ensure an adequate urine output to prevent the risk of hyperkalemia. Potassium is excreted primarily through urine, so monitoring urine output helps assess kidney function and the ability to eliminate potassium efficiently. Low urine output could indicate potential kidney issues, increasing the risk of potassium buildup in the body. Incorrect choices: A: Verify a blood pressure of at least 60 mm Hg diastolic - While blood pressure is important for assessing perfusion, it is not directly related to potassium administration. C: Ensure filter placement on the IV line - While filter placement is important for preventing particulate matter from entering the bloodstream, it is not directly related to potassium administration. D: Verify a pulse of at least 50 beats per minute - Although pulse rate is essential for assessing cardiac function, it is not specifically related to potassium administration.
Question 2 of 5
After selecting an appropriate fluid, which action should the nurse take to correctly flush a PRN lock?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because using slow, gentle pressure to clear the lumen is essential to prevent damaging the lock or causing discomfort to the patient. Forceful flushing (A) can damage the lumen, while flushing hard enough to clear resistance (C) may cause discomfort and potential harm. Aspirating for blood return prior to flushing (D) is not necessary for a PRN lock flush as it is typically done before administering medications. In summary, choice B is correct as it ensures safe and effective flushing without causing harm or discomfort.
Question 3 of 5
The critical care nurse knows that in critically ill patients, renal dysfunction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because renal dysfunction is a common issue in critically ill patients due to factors like decreased perfusion and nephrotoxic medications. This can lead to acute kidney injury in nearly two thirds of patients. Choice A is incorrect as renal dysfunction is common, not rare. Choice C is incorrect because renal replacement therapy does not guarantee a low mortality rate. Choice D is incorrect as renal dysfunction can significantly impact morbidity, mortality, and quality of life in critically ill patients.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for an elderly patient who was admitted with renal insufficiency. An expected laboratory finding for this patient may be
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: a normal serum creatinine level. In renal insufficiency, the kidneys are unable to effectively filter waste products like creatinine, leading to elevated serum levels. A normal creatinine level indicates the kidneys are functioning properly. A: Increased GFR would not be expected in renal insufficiency as GFR typically decreases. C: In renal insufficiency, the ability to excrete drugs may be impaired due to decreased kidney function. D: Hypokalemia is not a typical laboratory finding in renal insufficiency; instead, hyperkalemia is more common due to reduced excretion of potassium.
Question 5 of 5
Conditions that produce acute kidney injury by directly acting on functioning kidney tissue are classified as intrarenal. The most common intrarenal condition is
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, acute tubular necrosis (ATN). ATN is the most common intrarenal condition as it directly affects the functioning kidney tissue by causing damage to the renal tubules. This leads to impaired kidney function and acute kidney injury. Prolonged ischemia (choice A) can also cause intrarenal damage, but ATN is more common. Exposure to nephrotoxic substances (choice B) can lead to intrarenal damage, but ATN is still the most common cause. Hypotension for several hours (choice D) can result in prerenal acute kidney injury rather than intrarenal damage like ATN.