ATI RN
ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse in the medical ICU is caring for a patient who is in respiratory acidosis due to inadequate ventilation. What diagnosis could the patient have that could cause inadequate ventilation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Guillain-Barr syndrome can cause inadequate ventilation due to paralysis of the respiratory muscles. This results in respiratory acidosis. Endocarditis, multiple myeloma, and amphetamine overdose do not directly affect ventilation. Endocarditis is an infection of the heart valves, multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, and amphetamine overdose primarily affects the central nervous system and cardiovascular system, not ventilation. Therefore, Guillain-Barr syndrome is the most likely diagnosis in this case.
Question 2 of 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?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Option C is correct because berries, cherries, apples, and peaches are indeed low in potassium compared to other fruits. This response acknowledges the client's love for fruits while providing suitable alternatives to manage potassium levels. By choosing these low-potassium fruits, the client can continue enjoying fruits without exacerbating hyperkalemia. Incorrect options: A: Potatoes and avocados are high in potassium, so they are not suitable substitutes. B: Cooking fruit does not significantly reduce its potassium content. D: This option lacks guidance and does not offer a solution to the client's concern about high potassium levels.
Question 3 of 5
A client with a serum potassium of 7.5 mEq/L and cardiovascular changes needs immediate intervention. Which prescription should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The client's high serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L can lead to serious cardiovascular complications like arrhythmias. The immediate priority is to lower potassium levels rapidly to prevent cardiac arrest. Administering dextrose 20% and regular insulin IV push helps shift potassium from extracellular to intracellular space, lowering serum levels quickly. Option A (Kayexalate) is not as rapid as insulin therapy. Option B (low-potassium diet) is not immediate. Option D (hemodialysis) is effective but not as quick as insulin therapy for urgent potassium reduction.
Question 4 of 5
You are the surgical nurse caring for a 65-year-old female patient who is postoperative day 1 following a thyroidectomy. During your shift assessment, the patient complains of tingling in her lips and fingers. She tells you that she has an intermittent spasm in her wrist and hand and she exhibits increased muscle tone. What electrolyte imbalance should you first suspect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypocalcemia. Following a thyroidectomy, there is a risk of damaging the parathyroid glands, leading to hypocalcemia. Symptoms such as tingling in lips and fingers, muscle spasms, and increased muscle tone are classic signs of hypocalcemia. The initial concern should be hypocalcemia due to its potential to cause serious complications such as tetany and laryngospasm. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the symptoms described. Hypophosphatemia may present with weakness and respiratory failure, hypermagnesemia with hypotension and respiratory depression, and hyperkalemia with muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is assessing clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which clients are at increased risk for hypophosphatemia? (Select all that do not apply.)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because antacids contain aluminum or magnesium, which can bind with phosphorus and decrease its absorption, leading to hypophosphatemia. Malnourishment (choice A) can cause hypophosphatemia due to inadequate intake, uncontrolled diabetes (choice B) is associated with hyperphosphatemia, and hyperparathyroidism (choice D) can lead to hyperphosphatemia due to increased calcium levels.
Similar Questions
Join Our Community Today!
Join Over 10,000+ nursing students using Nurselytic. Access Comprehensive study Guides curriculum for ATI-RN and 3000+ practice questions to help you pass your ATI-RN exam.
Subscribe for Unlimited Access