ATI RN
Nutrition and Fluid Balance Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following would be a sign of fluid volume deficit (dehydration)?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased urine output. Fluid volume deficit, or dehydration, leads to decreased fluid intake or increased fluid loss. This results in reduced urine output as the body tries to conserve water. Decreased heart rate (A) is not a specific sign of dehydration. Increased skin turgor (C) is a sign of dehydration but not as specific as decreased urine output. Increased blood pressure (D) is not typically associated with fluid volume deficit; in fact, it may be decreased in severe cases due to reduced blood volume.
Question 2 of 5
Which condition can lead to metabolic alkalosis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Excessive vomiting. Vomiting causes loss of stomach acid and chloride ions, leading to an increase in bicarbonate concentration and resulting in metabolic alkalosis. Diarrhea (choice A) causes loss of bicarbonate and can lead to metabolic acidosis. Hyperventilation (choice C) can cause respiratory alkalosis by blowing off too much carbon dioxide. Hypoventilation (choice D) can cause respiratory acidosis by retaining too much carbon dioxide.
Question 3 of 5
A patient presents with severe muscle weakness and a serum potassium of 6.8 mEq/L. What is the priority nursing intervention?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Prepare to administer insulin and glucose. In this scenario, the patient's high serum potassium level indicates hyperkalemia, which can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Insulin and glucose drive potassium into the cells, lowering serum levels. Encouraging potassium-rich foods (choice A) would worsen hyperkalemia. Administering IV fluids with potassium (choice B) would further increase potassium levels. Diuretics (choice D) do not directly lower potassium levels. Administering insulin and glucose is the priority intervention to address the hyperkalemia and prevent complications.
Question 4 of 5
A marathon runner collapses from heat exhaustion. Which fluid imbalance is likely?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Hyponatremia. Heat exhaustion leads to excessive sweating, causing loss of sodium and water. This imbalance results in low sodium levels in the blood. Hypernatremia (A) is high sodium levels and is not likely in this scenario. Hyperkalemia (C) and Hypokalemia (D) are imbalances in potassium levels, not sodium, and are not directly related to heat exhaustion. Therefore, the most likely fluid imbalance in a marathon runner collapsing from heat exhaustion is Hyponatremia due to excessive sweating and sodium loss.
Question 5 of 5
A patient presents with confusion, headache, and a serum sodium level of 130 mEq/L. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer hypertonic IV fluids. In hyponatremia (low serum sodium level), hypertonic IV fluids help raise sodium levels gradually to prevent rapid correction and avoid complications like cerebral edema. Administering hypotonic IV fluids (choice A) can worsen the condition by further diluting sodium levels. Restricting fluid intake (choice C) may not address the underlying electrolyte imbalance. Administering potassium supplements (choice D) is not appropriate for hyponatremia.