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

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?

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 is assessing clients who have intravenous therapy prescribed. Which assessment finding for a client with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) requires immediate attention?

Correct answer: D

Rationale:

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has the following laboratory results: potassium 3.4 mEq/L, magnesium 1.8 mEq/L, calcium 8.5 mEq/L, sodium 144 mEq/L. Which assessment should the nurse complete first?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Depth of respirations.' In a client with electrolyte imbalances like low potassium (hypokalemia) and low magnesium (hypomagnesemia), respiratory changes, such as shallow respirations or respiratory muscle weakness, can occur and lead to respiratory compromise. Assessing the depth of respirations is crucial to evaluate respiratory function in this client. Bowel sounds, grip strength, and electrocardiography are also important assessments in different situations, but in this case, respiratory assessment takes priority due to the potential impact of electrolyte imbalances on breathing.

4. The nurse is assessing the patient for the presence of a Chvostek's sign. What electrolyte imbalance does a positive Chvostek's sign indicate?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Chvostek's sign is characterized by a brief contraction of the upper lip, nose, or side of the face and is indicative of hypocalcemia, making choice C the correct answer. Hypomagnesemia (choice B) is associated with Trousseau's sign, not Chvostek's sign. Hypermagnesemia (choice A) is not related to Chvostek's sign. Hyperkalemia (choice D) is not typically associated with Chvostek's sign; instead, it may present with muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias.

5. The baroreceptors, located in the left atrium and in the carotid and aortic arches, respond to changes in the circulating blood volume and regulate sympathetic and parasympathetic neural activity as well as endocrine activities. Sympathetic stimulation constricts renal arterioles, causing what effect?

Correct answer: D

Rationale:

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