aldosterone

ATI RN

ATI Fluid and Electrolytes

1. What is the function of aldosterone?

A. Regulates body temperature.
B. Decreases blood pressure.
C. Increases sodium reabsorption.
D. Promotes water excretion.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Aldosterone increases the reabsorption of sodium in the kidneys, which leads to an increase in blood volume and blood pressure. Choice A is incorrect as aldosterone does not regulate body temperature. Choice B is incorrect as aldosterone increases blood pressure by increasing sodium reabsorption. Choice D is incorrect as aldosterone promotes water retention by increasing sodium reabsorption.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing moderate metabolic alkalosis. Which action should the nurse take?

A. Monitor daily hemoglobin and hematocrit values.
B. Administer furosemide (Lasix) intravenously.
C. Encourage the client to take deep breaths.
D. Teach the client fall prevention measures.

Correct answer: D

Rationale:

3. What is the most important regulator of the amount of sodium in the body?

A. Kidneys
B. Small intestine
C. Large intestine
D. Skin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Kidneys. The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating the amount of sodium in the body. They achieve this by filtering blood and controlling the excretion or reabsorption of sodium. The small intestine is primarily responsible for nutrient absorption, not sodium regulation. The large intestine is mainly involved in water absorption and waste elimination, not sodium balance. The skin helps regulate body temperature through sweating and does not directly regulate sodium levels.

4. While assessing a patient's peripheral IV site, you note edema around the insertion site. How should you document this complication related to IV therapy?

A. Air emboli
B. Phlebitis
C. Infiltration
D. Fluid overload

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Infiltration is the administration of a nonvesicant solution or medication into the surrounding tissue, typically due to the dislodgement or perforation of the vein wall by the IV cannula. It is characterized by edema around the insertion site, leakage of IV fluid, discomfort, coolness, and a decrease in flow rate. In this scenario, the presence of edema indicates infiltration, not air emboli, phlebitis, or fluid overload. Air emboli refer to air bubbles in the bloodstream, phlebitis is inflammation of the vein, and fluid overload is an excessive volume of fluid in the circulatory system.

5. A patient who is hospitalized with a possible electrolyte imbalance is disoriented and weak, has an irregular pulse, and takes hydrochlorothiazide. He most likely suffers from:

A. Hypernatremia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypokalemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The patient is displaying symptoms of hypokalemia, including weakness, disorientation, irregular pulse, which can lead to cardiac disturbances. Hydrochlorothiazide is a potassium-wasting diuretic that can cause hypokalemia if not accompanied by potassium replacement therapy. Hypernatremia (choice A) is characterized by high sodium levels, not potassium. Hyponatremia (choice B) is low sodium levels. Hyperkalemia (choice C) is high potassium levels, which is not consistent with the symptoms described in the question.