ATI RN
Fluid and Electrolytes ATI Questions
Question 1 of 5
Your patient has the following arterial blood gas results: pH 7.26, PaCO2 28, HCO3 11 mEq/L. How would the nurse interpret the results?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A low pH indicates acidosis (normal pH is 7.35 to 7.45). The PaCO3 is also low, which causes alkalosis. The bicarb is low, which causes acidosis. The pH bicarb more closely corresponds with a decrease in pH, making the metabolic component the primary problem.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse admitting a patient with a history of emphysema reviews her past lab reports and notes that the patient's PaCO2 has been 56 to 64 mmHg. The nurse will be cautious administering oxygen because:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When PaCO2 chronically exceeds 50 mm Hg, it creates insensitivity to CO2 in the respiratory medulla, and the use of oxygen may result in the patient developing carbon dioxide narcosis and hypoxemia.
Question 3 of 5
A female patient is discharged from the hospital after having an episode of heart failure. She's prescribed daily oral doses of digoxin (Lanoxin) and furosemide (Lasix). Two days later, she tells her community health nurse that she feels weak and her heart 'flutters' frequently. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Furosemide is a potassium-wasting diuretic. A low potassium level may cause weakness and palpitations. Telling the patient to rest more often won't help the patient if she's hypokalemic. Digoxin isn't causing the patient's symptoms, so she doesn't need to stop taking it. The patient should probably avoid caffeine, but this wouldn't resolve potassium depletion.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is visiting an 84-year-old woman living at home and recovering from hip surgery. The woman seems confused and has poor skin turgor, and she states that ¢â‚¬Å“she stops drinking water early in the day because it is too difficult to get up during the night to go to the bathroom.¢â‚¬ The nurse explains to the woman that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In elderly patients, the clinical manifestations of fluid and electrolyte disturbances may be subtle or atypical. For example, fluid deficit may cause confusion or cognitive impairment in the elderly person.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following might the nurse assess in a patient diagnosed with hypermagnesemia?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To gauge a patient's magnesium status, the nurse should check deep tendon reflexes. If the reflex is absent, this may indicate high serum magnesium.
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