ATI RN
Fluid and Electrolytes ATI Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is visiting an 84-year-old woman living at home and recovering from hip surgery. The woman seems confused and has poor skin turgor, and she states that 'she stops drinking water early in the day because it is too difficult to get up during the night to go to the bathroom.' The nurse explains to the woman that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. In elderly patients, fluid deficits can lead to confusion and cognitive impairment. Limiting fluids can disrupt the body's balance, leading to such symptoms. Adjusting the timing of fluids can help maintain hydration without causing nighttime interruptions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the underlying issue of fluid imbalance causing confusion. Choice A suggests unnecessary hospital readmission and medication adjustments. Choice C incorrectly normalizes confusion post-surgery and suggests it is safe not to urinate at night, which can exacerbate the issue. Choice D inaccurately attributes confusion to sleep loss rather than fluid imbalance.
Question 2 of 5
A female patient is discharged from the hospital after having an episode of heart failure. She's prescribed daily oral doses of digoxin (Lanoxin) and furosemide (Lasix). Two days later, she tells her community health nurse that she feels weak and her heart "flutters" frequently. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Furosemide is a potassium-wasting diuretic. A low potassium level may cause weakness and palpitations. Telling the patient to rest more often won't help the patient if she's hypokalemic. Digoxin isn't causing the patient's symptoms, so she doesn't need to stop taking it. The patient should probably avoid caffeine, but this wouldn't resolve potassium depletion.
Question 3 of 5
The renin and angiotensin systems help to maintain the balance of sodium and water in the body. What other functions do these systems serve?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The renin and angiotensin systems help to maintain the balance of sodium and water in the body and maintain healthy blood volumes.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who is diaphoretic from a fever. The amount of sodium excreted in the urine will:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Increased sweating (diaphoresis) leads to the loss of sodium and other electrolytes, resulting in higher sodium excretion in the urine.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a postthyroidectomy patient at risk for hypocalcemia. What action should the nurse take when assessing for hypocalcemia?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Muscle twitching and numbness or tingling of the lips, fingers, and toes are signs of hyperirritability of the nervous system due to hypocalcemia. The other options describe complications the nurse should also be observing for; however, tetany and neurologic alterations are primary indications of hypocalcemia.
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