ATI RN
Chapter 14 Nutrition and Fluid Balance Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following values is considered a normal arterial blood pH?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The normal arterial blood pH is around 7.35-7.45. Option C, 7.45 falls within this range, making it the correct answer. A pH of 7.25 (option A) is considered acidic, while a pH of 7.55 (option D) is alkaline, both outside the normal range. Option B, 7.35, is towards the lower end of the normal range but still within it. Overall, option C is the most appropriate choice as it aligns with the typical arterial blood pH range.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is being treated for dehydration. Which lab result would you expect to see in this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: High serum sodium. Dehydration leads to an increase in serum sodium concentration due to the loss of water without a proportional loss of sodium. This results in hypernatremia. Low hematocrit (A) is seen in anemia, not dehydration. Low serum osmolality (C) and low serum potassium (D) are not typically associated with dehydration.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with a serum magnesium level of 1.1 mg/dL is at risk for which complication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: Low serum magnesium levels can lead to cardiac arrhythmias due to its role in regulating heart muscle function. Magnesium deficiency can disrupt electrical conduction in the heart, potentially causing arrhythmias. Hypokalemia (Choice B), hypercalcemia (Choice C), and hypertension (Choice D) are not directly associated with low magnesium levels. Potassium and calcium imbalances have different physiological implications, while hypertension is more commonly linked to sodium levels. Therefore, the correct answer is A: Cardiac arrhythmias.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with a serum calcium level of 7.8 mg/dL presents with tingling around the mouth and muscle twitching. What is the likely electrolyte imbalance?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypocalcemia. A serum calcium level of 7.8 mg/dL indicates low calcium levels. Symptoms of tingling around the mouth and muscle twitching are classic signs of hypocalcemia due to its effect on nerve and muscle function. In hypocalcemia, there is increased nerve excitability leading to these symptoms. Hypercalcemia (choice A) would present with symptoms like fatigue and confusion. Hyperkalemia (choice C) and hypokalemia (choice D) involve potassium levels, not calcium, and would present with different symptoms such as cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness, respectively.
Question 5 of 5
A patient with liver cirrhosis is receiving diuretic therapy. The nurse observes confusion, irritability, and muscle twitching. The serum sodium level is 118 mEq/L. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hyponatremia. In liver cirrhosis, impaired liver function can lead to decreased production of plasma proteins, causing fluid to shift into the interstitial spaces and diluting the sodium concentration in the blood. This results in hyponatremia, which can present with confusion, irritability, and muscle twitching. A: Hypernatremia is incorrect as the patient's serum sodium level is low. B: Hypocalcemia is incorrect as the symptoms are more indicative of hyponatremia. D: Hyperkalemia is incorrect as the patient's symptoms are not consistent with high potassium levels.