ATI RN
ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation
1. A nurse in the neurologic ICU has orders to infuse a hypertonic solution into a patient with increased intracranial pressure. This solution will increase the number of dissolved particles in the patients blood, creating pressure for fluids in the tissues to shift into the capillaries and increase the blood volume. This process is best described as which of the following?
- A. Hydrostatic pressure
- B. Osmosis and osmolality
- C. Diffusion
- D. Active transport
Correct answer: B
Rationale:
2. A patient with hypokalemia and heart failure is admitted to the telemetry unit. The nurse is aware that hypokalemia could cause which of the following abnormalities on an electrocardiogram (ECG)?
- A. Shortened P-R interval
- B. Inverted T wave
- C. Depressed U wave
- D. Elevated U wave
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Elevated U wave. Hypokalemia is associated with ECG changes such as an elevated U wave and flattened T waves. Choice A, a shortened P-R interval, is not typically seen in hypokalemia. Choice B, an inverted T wave, is more commonly associated with ischemia or CNS injury rather than hypokalemia. Choice C, a depressed U wave, is not a typical ECG abnormality seen in hypokalemia. Therefore, the correct ECG abnormality associated with hypokalemia is an elevated U wave.
3. The chief mechanism for maintaining fluid balance is to:
- A. adjust fluid intake so it equals fluid output.
- B. adjust fluid intake so it is slightly above fluid output.
- C. adjust fluid output so it equals fluid input.
- D. adjust fluid intake so it is slightly below fluid output.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'adjust fluid output so it equals fluid input.' Maintaining fluid balance involves ensuring that the amount of fluid lost through processes like urination, sweating, and respiration equals the amount of fluid taken in. This ensures that the body stays properly hydrated. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not focus on the balance between fluid input and output, which is crucial for maintaining proper fluid balance. By adjusting fluid output to equal fluid input, the body can regulate hydration levels effectively, preventing dehydration or overhydration.
4. 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 'she stops drinking water early in the day because it is too difficult to get up during the night to go to the bathroom.' The nurse explains to the woman that:
- A. She will need to have her medications adjusted and be readmitted to the hospital for a complete workup.
- B. Limiting fluids can create imbalances in the body that can result in confusion; maybe we need to adjust the timing of your fluids.
- C. It is normal to be a little confused following surgery and it is safe not to urinate at night.
- D. Confusion following surgery is common in the elderly due to loss of sleep.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. In elderly patients, fluid deficits can lead to confusion and cognitive impairment. Limiting fluids can disrupt the body's balance, leading to such symptoms. Adjusting the timing of fluids can help maintain hydration without causing nighttime interruptions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the underlying issue of fluid imbalance causing confusion. Choice A suggests unnecessary hospital readmission and medication adjustments. Choice C incorrectly normalizes confusion post-surgery and suggests it is safe not to urinate at night, which can exacerbate the issue. Choice D inaccurately attributes confusion to sleep loss rather than fluid imbalance.
5. You are an emergency-room nurse caring for a trauma patient. Your patient has the following arterial blood gas results: pH 7.26, PaCO2 28, HCO3 11 mEq/L. How would you interpret these results?
- A. Respiratory acidosis with no compensation
- B. Metabolic alkalosis with a compensatory alkalosis
- C. Metabolic acidosis with no compensation
- D. Metabolic acidosis with a compensatory respiratory alkalosis
Correct answer: D
Rationale:
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