ATI RN
ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient who is being treated for pneumonia starts complaining of sudden shortness of breath. An arterial blood gas (ABG) is drawn. The ABG has the following values: pH 7.21, PaCO2 64 mm Hg, HCO3 = 24 mm Hg. What does the ABG reflect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Respiratory acidosis. A low pH (7.21) indicates acidosis. The elevated PaCO2 (64 mm Hg) indicates respiratory acidosis, as high CO2 levels lead to carbonic acid formation, decreasing pH. The normal HCO3 (24 mm Hg) suggests compensation for the respiratory acidosis. Other choices are incorrect as they do not align with the ABG values provided. Metabolic alkalosis (B) would have a high pH and HCO3, respiratory alkalosis (C) would have a high pH and low PaCO2, and metabolic acidosis (D) would have a low pH and HCO3.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse assesses a client who was started on intraperitoneal therapy 5 days ago. The client reports abdominal pain and feeling warm. For which complication of this therapy should the nurse assess this client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, infection. The client's symptoms of abdominal pain and feeling warm are indicative of a potential infection, which is a common complication of intraperitoneal therapy. Step-by-step rationale: 1. Abdominal pain can be a sign of peritonitis, an infection of the peritoneal cavity. 2. Feeling warm may indicate a fever, a common symptom of infection. 3. Prompt assessment and treatment of infection are crucial to prevent complications. Summary of other choices: A, allergic reaction - unlikely given the symptoms described; B, bowel obstruction - does not align with the symptoms provided; C, catheter lumen occlusion - not typically associated with abdominal pain and feeling warm.
Question 3 of 5
Place a washcloth between the skin and tourniquet
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because using a plastic bag to cover the extremity with the device helps to keep the area dry when bathing, preventing the tourniquet from becoming wet and losing its effectiveness. This technique maintains the pressure needed for venipuncture. A, providing a bed bath instead of a shower, is unrelated to the use of a tourniquet. B, using sterile technique for dressing changes, is important for wound care but not relevant to tourniquet use. C, disconnecting intravenous fluid tubing before a bath, is essential for preventing contamination but not directly related to tourniquet management.
Question 4 of 5
After teaching a client who was malnourished and is being discharged, a nurse assesses the clients understanding. Which statement indicates the client correctly understood teaching to decrease risk for the development of metabolic acidosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "I will drink at least three glasses of milk each day." Milk is a good source of calcium and bicarbonate, which can help buffer excess acids in the body and prevent metabolic acidosis. Calcium also plays a role in maintaining the acid-base balance. Option B is incorrect because while eating well-balanced meals is important for overall health, it does not specifically address the prevention of metabolic acidosis. Option C is irrelevant to the prevention of metabolic acidosis. Option D is incorrect because avoiding salting food does not directly address the underlying issue of metabolic acidosis related to malnutrition.
Question 5 of 5
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
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation leads to excessive elimination of carbon dioxide, causing a decrease in PaCO2 levels, resulting in respiratory alkalosis. This is the most common cause of hyperventilation. Respiratory acidosis (choice A) occurs when there is retention of carbon dioxide. Increased PaCO2 (choice C) is a consequence of respiratory acidosis, not alkalosis. CNS disturbances (choice D) can lead to abnormal breathing patterns but are not the most common cause of hyperventilation.
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