ATI RN
Fluid and Electrolytes ATI
1. The nurse is caring for a patient who is diaphoretic from a fever. The amount of sodium excreted in the urine will:
- A. Decrease
- B. Increase
- C. Remain unchanged
- D. Fluctuate
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Increased sweating (diaphoresis) causes the loss of sodium and other electrolytes from the body. As a result, the body tries to conserve sodium, leading to a decrease in the amount of sodium excreted in the urine. Choice B is incorrect because increased sweating results in sodium loss, not retention. Choice C is incorrect because with increased sweating, there is a need to conserve sodium, leading to a decrease in its excretion. Choice D is incorrect as there is a clear physiological response to sweating that results in a more consistent decrease in sodium excretion.
2. The nurse is assessing the patient for the presence of a Chvosteks sign. What electrolyte imbalance would a positive Chvosteks sign indicate?
- A. Hypermagnesemia
- B. Hyponatremia
- C. Hypocalcemia
- D. Hyperkalemia
Correct answer: C
Rationale:
3. A patient with a longstanding diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder presents to the emergency room. The triage nurse notes upon assessment that the patient is hyperventilating. The triage nurse is aware that hyperventilation is the most common cause
- A. Respiratory acidosis
- B. Respiratory alkalosis
- C. Increased PaCO2
- D. CNS disturbances
Correct answer: B
Rationale:
4. Which hormones increase the amount of water in the body?
- A. ADH
- B. Aldosterone
- C. ANH
- D. ADH and aldosterone
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, ADH and aldosterone. Both antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and aldosterone increase water retention by the kidneys, thereby increasing blood volume. ADH acts on the kidneys to increase water reabsorption, while aldosterone acts on the kidneys to promote sodium reabsorption, leading to water retention. Choice A, ADH, is partially correct as it alone increases water retention. Choice B, aldosterone, is also partially correct as it alone increases water retention. Choice C, ANH (atrial natriuretic hormone), actually decreases water retention by promoting sodium excretion and inhibiting aldosterone release.
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.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access