a nurse is assessing a client with hypokalemia and notes that the clients handgrip strength has diminished since the previous assessment 1 hour ago wh
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation

1. A nurse is assessing a client with hypokalemia and notes that the client's handgrip strength has diminished since the previous assessment 1 hour ago. Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client with hypokalemia experiencing diminished handgrip strength, the priority action for the nurse is to assess the client's respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth. Hypokalemia can lead to muscle weakness, including respiratory muscles, potentially causing respiratory distress. Assessing the respiratory status is crucial to determine if immediate interventions are needed to maintain adequate oxygenation. Measuring the client's pulse and blood pressure (Choice B) is important but should come after assessing the respiratory status. Simply documenting findings and monitoring the client (Choice C) may delay necessary interventions. Calling the healthcare provider (Choice D) is not the first action indicated in this situation; assessing the client's respiratory status takes precedence.

2. A nurse is caring for a patient who requires measurement of specific gravity every 4 hours. What does this test detect?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Specific gravity is a test used to determine the concentration of solutes in the urine, reflecting the kidney's ability to concentrate urine. Changes in specific gravity can indicate fluid volume status, such as dehydration (fluid volume deficit) or overhydration (fluid volume excess). Options A, B, and C are incorrect as specific gravity does not directly detect nutritional deficits, hyperkalemia, or hypercalcemia.

3. 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: The correct action for the nurse to take is to contact the physician, report the patient's symptoms, and request a blood sample to determine the patient's potassium level. Furosemide, a potassium-wasting diuretic, can lead to hypokalemia, causing weakness and palpitations. Therefore, checking the potassium level is crucial in this situation. Simply telling the patient to rest more frequently won't address the underlying issue of potassium depletion. While digoxin can cause adverse effects, in this case, the symptoms are more likely related to furosemide-induced potassium loss. Instructing the patient to avoid caffeine-containing foods may be beneficial in general, but it wouldn't directly address the potassium depletion that needs urgent attention.

4. The nurse is caring for a patient in metabolic alkalosis. The patient has an NG tube to low intermittent suction for a diagnosis of bowel obstruction. What drug would the nurse expect to find on the medication orders?

Correct answer: A

Rationale:

5. Which hormone is made in the pituitary gland and increases water absorption in the kidney?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, ADH (Antidiuretic hormone). ADH is produced by the pituitary gland and functions to increase water reabsorption in the kidneys. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not refer to a hormone responsible for increasing water absorption in the kidney.

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