ATI RN
Fluid and Electrolytes ATI
1. Your patient has alcoholism, and you may suspect during your assessment that his serum magnesium is low. What will the nurse potentially expect to assess related to hypomagnesemia?
- A. Tremor
- B. Pruritus
- C. Edema
- D. Decreased blood pressure
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tremor. Signs and symptoms of hypomagnesemia primarily affect the neuromuscular system and can include tremors, confusion, tetany, laryngeal stridor, and ataxia. Pruritus (choice B) refers to itching and is not typically associated with hypomagnesemia. Edema (choice C) is swelling caused by fluid retention and is not a common manifestation of hypomagnesemia. Decreased blood pressure (choice D) is not a typical sign of hypomagnesemia; instead, low magnesium levels are more likely to cause hypertension.
2. When explaining one of the main differences between narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, what should the nurse mention?
- A. Symptoms of the two diagnoses are essentially the same, making it difficult to differentiate between them.
- B. People with narcolepsy awaken from a nap feeling rested and replenished.
- C. People with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome can experience temporary paralysis during naps.
- D. Naps are contraindicated for clients with narcolepsy due to their association with catatonia.
Correct answer: B: People with narcolepsy awaken from a nap feeling rested and replenished.
Rationale: Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden attacks of sleep, while obstructive sleep apnea syndrome involves the obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. One of the main differences is that people with narcolepsy often experience refreshing naps, feeling rested and replenished upon waking, which is not the case for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. This distinction is important for healthcare providers to understand as it helps differentiate between these two sleep disorders.
3. During a physical assessment of a newborn, which of the following findings should the nurse prioritize reporting?
- A. Head circumference of 40 cm
- B. Chest circumference of 32 cm
- C. Acrocyanosis and edema of the scalp
- D. Heart rate of 160 bpm and respirations of 40/min
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. A head circumference of 40 cm is abnormally large for a newborn and could indicate conditions like hydrocephalus or other abnormalities, making it a crucial finding to report. Choices B, C, and D are within normal parameters for a newborn and do not pose immediate concerns. Chest circumference of 32 cm is a normal finding. Acrocyanosis and edema of the scalp are common in newborns due to physiological adaptations. A heart rate of 160 bpm and respirations of 40/min may be within the normal range for a newborn.
4. A nurse is caring for a client receiving IV vancomycin. The nurse notes flushing of the client's neck and chest. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Stop the infusion
- B. Document the findings as a harmless reaction
- C. Slow the infusion rate
- D. Administer diphenhydramine
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when a client receiving IV vancomycin shows flushing of the neck and chest is to slow the infusion rate. Flushing is a common sign of Red Man Syndrome, which is associated with rapid infusions of vancomycin. Slowing down the infusion rate can help prevent further flushing and the development of Red Man Syndrome. Stopping the infusion (Choice A) may be too drastic if the symptoms are mild and can be managed by slowing the rate. Documenting the findings as a harmless reaction (Choice B) is incorrect because flushing should be addressed promptly to prevent complications. Administering diphenhydramine (Choice D) is not the initial or best intervention for flushing associated with vancomycin; slowing the infusion rate is the priority.
5. A client with suspected gastric cancer undergoes an endoscopy of the stomach. Which of the following assessments made after the procedure would indicate the development of a potential complication?
- A. The client complains of a sore throat
- B. The client displays signs of sedation
- C. The client experiences a sudden increase in temperature
- D. The client demonstrates a lack of appetite
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A sudden increase in temperature after an endoscopy can indicate a potential complication, such as perforation.
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