Fluid and Electrolytes ATI

Questions 40

ATI RN

Home > ATI RN > ATI Fluid and Electrolytes > Fluid and Electrolytes ATI
ATI RN Test Bank

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 patient is taking spironolactone (Aldactone) to control her hypertension. Her serum potassium level is 6 mEq/L. For this patient, the nurse's priority would be to assess her:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Although changes in all these findings are seen in hyperkalemia, ECG changes can indicate potentially lethal arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation. It wouldn't be appropriate to assess the patient's neuromuscular function, bowel sounds, or respiratory rate for effects of hyperkalemia.

Question 3 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 4 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 5 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 �€œshe 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: In elderly patients, the clinical manifestations of fluid and electrolyte disturbances may be subtle or atypical. For example, fluid deficit may cause confusion or cognitive impairment in the elderly person.

Similar Questions

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 �€œshe 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:
Third spacing occurs when fluid moves out of the intravascular space but not into the intracellular space. Based upon this fluid shift, the nurse will expect the patient to demonstrate:
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?
The nurse assessing skin turgor in an elderly patient should remember that:
A nurse in the medical-surgical unit has a newly admitted patient who is oliguric; the acute care nurse practitioner orders a fluid challenge of 100 to 200 mL of normal saline solution over 15 minutes. The nurse is aware this intervention will help:

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.

Call to Action Image