what is the best method to monitor fluid balance in a patient receiving diuretics

ATI RN

ATI Exit Exam RN

1. What is the best method to monitor fluid balance in a patient receiving diuretics?

A. Monitor daily weight
B. Monitor intake and output
C. Monitor blood pressure
D. Monitor edema

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best method to monitor fluid balance in a patient receiving diuretics is to monitor daily weight. Daily weighing is a precise way to assess changes in fluid status as it reflects variations in total body water. Monitoring intake and output (choice B) is also important but may not provide as accurate a measurement as daily weight. Monitoring blood pressure (choice C) is essential but does not directly measure fluid balance. Monitoring edema (choice D) is helpful to assess fluid status visually but may not be as sensitive as daily weight measurements in detecting subtle changes in fluid balance.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hr postpartum and is breastfeeding her newborn. The client asks the nurse to warm up seaweed soup that her partner brought for her. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. Does the doctor know you are eating that?
B. Why are you eating seaweed soup?
C. Of course, I will heat that up for you.
D. The hospital food is more nutritious.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Respecting cultural preferences and providing client-centered care promotes trust.

3. How should fluid balance be assessed in a patient with heart failure?

A. Monitor daily weight
B. Monitor input and output
C. Check for edema
D. Monitor blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In patients with heart failure, monitoring daily weight is the most accurate method for assessing fluid balance. Weight gain can indicate fluid retention, a common issue in heart failure patients. Monitoring input and output (B) is essential but may not always accurately reflect fluid balance. Checking for edema (C) is important as it can indicate fluid accumulation, but daily weight monitoring is more precise. Monitoring blood pressure (D) is important in heart failure management but does not directly assess fluid balance.

4. A nurse is assessing a school-age child with a urinary tract infection. What symptom should the nurse expect?

A. Periorbital edema.
B. Decreased frequency of urination.
C. Enuresis.
D. Diarrhea.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Enuresis. Enuresis, which refers to involuntary urination, is a common symptom of urinary tract infections in children. Periorbital edema (choice A) is more commonly associated with conditions like nephrotic syndrome. Decreased frequency of urination (choice B) is not typically seen in urinary tract infections, as these infections often present with increased frequency. Diarrhea (choice D) is not a typical symptom of a urinary tract infection.

5. Which lab value is most critical to monitor in a patient receiving digoxin?

A. Monitor potassium levels
B. Monitor sodium levels
C. Monitor calcium levels
D. Monitor magnesium levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor potassium levels in a patient receiving digoxin. Hypokalemia can potentiate the toxic effects of digoxin, leading to serious cardiac arrhythmias. Monitoring potassium levels helps prevent toxicity. Monitoring sodium levels (Choice B), calcium levels (Choice C), and magnesium levels (Choice D) are also important aspects of patient care, but potassium levels are most critical in patients on digoxin therapy.