a nurse is assessing clients on a medical surgical unit which client is at risk for hypokalemia

ATI RN

ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation

1. While assessing clients on a medical-surgical unit, which client is at risk for hypokalemia?

A. Client with pancreatitis who has continuous nasogastric suctioning
B. Client who is prescribed an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
C. Client in a motor vehicle crash who is receiving 6 units of packed red blood cells
D. Client with uncontrolled diabetes and a serum pH level of 7.33

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Continuous nasogastric suctioning can lead to hypokalemia due to the loss of gastric contents rich in potassium. Therefore, a client with pancreatitis who has continuous nasogastric suctioning is at risk for hypokalemia. Option B is incorrect because ACE inhibitors may lead to hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia. Option C is incorrect as receiving packed red blood cells can lead to hyperkalemia due to the potassium content in the blood product. Option D is incorrect because a serum pH level of 7.33 indicates acidosis, which is not directly associated with hypokalemia.

2. A nurse teaches a client who is being discharged home with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Which statement should the nurse include in this clients teaching?

A. avoid carrying your grandchild with the arm that has the central catheter.
B. Be sure to place the arm with the central catheter in a sling during the day
C. Flush the peripherally inserted central catheter line with normal saline daily.
D. You can use the arm with the central catheter for most activities of daily living.

Correct answer: A

Rationale:

3. A nurse assesses a client who is admitted for treatment of fluid overload. Which manifestations should the nurse expect to find? (Select all that do not apply.)

A. Increased pulse rate
B. . Distended neck veins
C. Warm and pink skin
D. Skeletal muscle weakness

Correct answer: C

Rationale:

4. The nurse caring for a patient post colon resection is assessing the patient on the second postoperative day. The nasogastric tube (NG) remains patent and continues at low intermittent wall suction. The IV is patent and infusing at 125 mL/hr. The patient reports pain at the incision site rated at a 3 on a 0-to-10 rating scale. During your initial shift assessment, the patient complains of cramps in her legs and a tingling sensation in her feet. Your assessment indicates decreased deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) and you suspect the patient has hypokalemia. What other sign or symptom would you expect this patient to exhibit

A. Diarrhea
B. Dilute urine
C. Increased muscle tone
D. Joint pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale:

5. Which of the following is not considered an extracellular fluid?

A. Cerebrospinal fluid
B. The humors of the eye
C. Lymph
D. Cerebrospinal fluid and the humors of the eye

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Cerebrospinal fluid and the humors of the eye are not considered extracellular fluids. Extracellular fluids are fluids found outside the cells, such as interstitial fluid and lymph. Cerebrospinal fluid is found within the central nervous system, while the humors of the eye (aqueous humor and vitreous humor) are located within the eyeball, making them distinct from extracellular fluids.