ATI RN
Fluid and Electrolytes ATI Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient who is hospitalized with a possible electrolyte imbalance is disoriented and weak, has an irregular pulse, and takes hydrochlorothiazide. He most likely suffers from:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The symptoms of hypokalemia include GI, cardiac, renal, respiratory, and neurologic disturbances. The use of potassium-wasting diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide, without potassium replacement therapy is a primary cause of hypokalemia.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse in the medical-surgical unit is giving a patient with low blood pressure a hypertonic solution, which will increase the number of dissolved particles in his blood, creating pressure for fluids in the tissues to shift into the capillaries and increase the blood volume. Which of the following terms is associated with this process?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Osmosis is the movement of fluid from a region of low solute concentration to a region of high solute concentration across a semipermeable membrane. The number of dissolved particles contained in a unit of fluid determines the osmolality of a solution, which influences the movement of fluid between the fluid compartments. Giving a patient who has a low blood pressure a hypertonic solution will increase the number of dissolved particles in the blood, creating pressure for fluids in the tissues to shift into the capillaries and increase the blood volume. Option A is incorrect; hydrostatic pressure refers to changes in water or volume related to water pressure. Option C is incorrect; diffusion is the movement of solutes from an area of greater concentration to lesser concentration. The solutes in an intact vascular system are unable to move, so diffusion should not normally take place. Option D is incorrect; active transport is the movement of molecules against the concentration gradient and requires ATP as an energy source. This process typically takes place at the cellular level and is not involved in vascular volume changes.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse admitting a patient with a history of emphysema reviews her past lab reports and notes that the patient's PaCO2 has been 56 to 64 mmHg. The nurse will be cautious administering oxygen because:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When PaCO2 chronically exceeds 50 mm Hg, it creates insensitivity to CO2 in the respiratory medulla, and the use of oxygen may result in the patient developing carbon dioxide narcosis and hypoxemia.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is in the hospital with heart failure. The nurse notes during the evening assessment that the patient's neck veins are distended and the patient has dyspnea. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The symptoms of neck vein distention and dyspnea suggest fluid overload. Placing the patient in semi-Fowler's position and administering diuretics can help reduce fluid volume and improve breathing.
Question 5 of 5
A patient with hypokalemia and heart failure is admitted to the telemetry unit. The nurse is aware that hypokalemia could cause which of the following abnormalities on an electrocardiogram (ECG)?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypokalemia often causes characteristic ECG changes, including an elevated U wave and flattened T waves.
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