a patient has questioned the nurses administration of iv normal saline asking whether sterile water would be a more appropriate choice than saltwater

ATI RN

ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation

1. A patient has questioned the nurses administration of IV normal saline, asking whether sterile water would be a more appropriate choice than saltwater. Under what circumstances would the nurse administer electrolyte-free water intravenously?

A. Never, because it rapidly enters red blood cells, causing them to rupture.
B. When the patient is severely dehydrated resulting in neurologic signs and symptoms
C. When the patient is in excess of calcium and/or magnesium ions
D. When a patients fluid volume deficit is due to acute or chronic renal failure

Correct answer: A

Rationale:

2. Place a washcloth between the skin and tourniquet

A. Provide a bed bath instead of letting the client take a shower
B. Use sterile technique when changing the dressing.
C. Disconnect the intravenous fluid tubing prior to the clients bath.
D. Use a plastic bag to cover the extremity with the device

Correct answer: D

Rationale:

3. When does dehydration begin to occur?

A. the body reduces fluid output to zero.
B. the body increases the release of ANH.
C. the salivary secretions decrease.
D. the salivary secretions increase.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Dehydration leads to a decrease in the body's fluid levels, causing the salivary glands to produce less saliva, resulting in a dry mouth. Therefore, when dehydration begins to occur, salivary secretions decrease. Choice A is incorrect because the body does not reduce fluid output to zero during dehydration; it tries to conserve fluids. Choice B is incorrect as dehydration does not directly increase the release of ANH (Atrial Natriuretic Hormone). Choice D is incorrect because salivary secretions do not increase but decrease during dehydration.

4. 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.