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

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Fluid and Electrolytes ATI

1. 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.

2. A nurse assesses a client who is experiencing an acid-base imbalance. The clients arterial blood gas values are pH 7.34, PaO2 88 mm Hg, PaCO2 38 mm Hg, and HCO3 19 mEq/L. Which assessment should the nurse perform first?

A. . Cardiac rate and rhythm
B. Skin and mucous membranes
C. Musculoskeletal strength
D. Level of orientation

Correct answer: A

Rationale:

3. 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:

4. 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.

5. The renin and angiotensin systems help to maintain the balance of sodium and water in the body. What other functions do these systems serve?

A. Regulating hemoglobin levels
B. Maintaining a healthy blood volume
C. Releasing platelets when tissues are injured
D. Lowering blood volumes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Maintaining a healthy blood volume. The renin and angiotensin systems not only help to regulate sodium and water balance in the body but also play a crucial role in maintaining an adequate blood volume. This is essential for normal blood pressure regulation and overall cardiovascular health. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because hemoglobin levels are primarily regulated by the bone marrow and erythropoietin, platelets are released in response to blood vessel injury by a different mechanism, and the systems do not focus on lowering blood volumes but rather on maintaining them.