Nursing Elites

1. Retention of electrolytes (especially sodium) in the interstitial fluid can result from:

• A. decreased aldosterone secretion.
• B. increased ADH secretion.
• C. increased aldosterone secretion.
• D. decreased ADH secretion.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: increased aldosterone secretion. Aldosterone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, increases sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to retention of sodium and water in the interstitial fluid. Increased aldosterone secretion enhances the reabsorption of sodium, thereby increasing its retention. Choice A is incorrect because decreased aldosterone secretion would lead to less sodium reabsorption and increased excretion. Choice B is incorrect because increased ADH secretion primarily affects water reabsorption rather than sodium. Choice D is incorrect because decreased ADH secretion would lead to increased water excretion but not necessarily affect sodium retention.

2. The triage nurse notes upon assessment in the emergency room that the patient with anxiety is hyperventilating. The nurse is aware that hyperventilation is the most common cause of which acid-base imbalance?

• A. Respiratory acidosis
• B. Respiratory alkalosis
• C. Metabolic acidosis
• D. Metabolic alkalosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation is the most common cause of acute respiratory alkalosis. When a patient hyperventilates due to anxiety or other causes, they blow off excessive carbon dioxide, leading to a decrease in PaCO2 and a rise in pH. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because hyperventilation leads to a decrease in PaCO2, causing respiratory alkalosis, not respiratory acidosis, metabolic acidosis, or metabolic alkalosis.

3. A nurse is taking care of a 65-year-old female patient in a medical-surgical unit who is in renal failure; during the assessment, the patient complains of tingling in her lips and fingers. When the nurse takes her blood pressure, she has a spasm in her wrist and hand. The nurse suspects:

• A. Hypophosphatemia
• B. Hypocalcemia
• C. Hypermagnesemia
• D. Hyperkalemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The patient's symptoms of tingling in the lips and fingers along with the wrist and hand spasm are indicative of tetany, a characteristic manifestation of hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia can present with sensations of tingling in the extremities and around the mouth. The spasm in the wrist and hand when taking blood pressure could be due to slight ischemia of the ulnar nerve, further supporting the suspicion of hypocalcemia in this patient. Hypophosphatemia, hypermagnesemia, and hyperkalemia do not typically present with these specific symptoms and manifestations.

4. The ICU nurse is caring for a patient who experienced trauma in a workplace accident. The patient is complaining of having trouble breathing with abdominal pain. An ABG reveals the following results: pH 7.28, PaCO2 50 mm Hg, HCO3 23 mEq/L. The nurse should recognize the likelihood of what acidbase disorder?

• A. Respiratory acidosis
• B. Metabolic alkalosis
• C. Respiratory alkalosis
• D. Mixed acidbase disorder

Correct answer: D

Rationale:

5. A client at risk for developing hyperkalemia states, 'I love fruit and usually eat it every day, but now I can't because of my high potassium level.' How should the nurse respond?

• A. Potatoes and avocados can be substituted for fruit.
• B. If you cook the fruit, the amount of potassium will be lower.
• C. Berries, cherries, apples, and peaches are low in potassium.
• D. You are correct. Fruit is very high in potassium.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Berries, cherries, apples, and peaches are indeed low in potassium, making them suitable choices for someone at risk for hyperkalemia. Choice A is incorrect because potatoes and avocados are high in potassium and should be avoided in this situation. Choice B is incorrect because cooking fruit does not significantly lower its potassium content. Choice D is incorrect as it provides incorrect information, as not all fruits are very high in potassium.

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