ATI RN
ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation Questions
Question 1 of 5
After administering 40 mEq of potassium chloride, a nurse evaluates the clients response. Which manifestations indicate that treatment is improving the clients hypokalemia? (Select all tha do not t apply.)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: U waves present on the electrocardiogram (ECG). U waves are indicative of hypokalemia, and their presence indicates that the potassium chloride treatment is improving the condition. Explanation: 1. A: Strong productive cough - This manifestation is not related to potassium levels and does not indicate improvement in hypokalemia. 2. B: Active bowel sounds - While hypokalemia can cause gastrointestinal issues, active bowel sounds alone do not specifically indicate improvement in potassium levels. 3. C: U waves present on ECG - U waves are a classic ECG finding in hypokalemia. The presence of U waves indicates a positive response to potassium chloride treatment. 4. D: No response provided - Not applicable. In summary, the presence of U waves on the ECG is a key indicator of improvement in hypokalemia, while the other manifestations do not directly relate to potassium levels.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is preparing to insert a peripheral IV catheter into a patient who will require fluids and IV antibiotics. How should the nurse always start the process of insertion?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C Rationale: Asking the patient about allergies to latex or iodine is crucial before starting the IV insertion process. This step ensures patient safety and prevents potential allergic reactions. Knowing the patient's allergies allows the nurse to select appropriate materials for the procedure, reducing the risk of complications. Summary of Other Choices: A: Leaving one hand ungloved is not recommended as it compromises infection control practices. B: Cleansing the skin with normal saline is important but should come after confirming allergies to latex or iodine. D: Removing excessive hair from the site is unnecessary and not a standard practice for starting the IV insertion process.
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
A nurse is assessing a client with hypokalemia and notes that the client's handgrip strength has diminished since the previous assessment 1 hour ago. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first is to assess the client's respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth (Choice A). Diminished handgrip strength in a client with hypokalemia could indicate potential respiratory muscle weakness, which can lead to respiratory distress or failure. By assessing the client's respiratory status, the nurse can determine if immediate intervention is needed to support breathing. Choice B is incorrect because measuring the client's pulse and blood pressure may not address the underlying issue of respiratory muscle weakness. Choice C is incorrect as it delays potential life-saving interventions by simply documenting findings. Choice D is incorrect as calling the healthcare provider should come after addressing the client's immediate respiratory needs.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has the following arterial blood values: pH 7.12, PaO2 56 mm Hg, PaCO2 65 mm Hg, and HCO3 22 mEq/L. Which clinical situation should the nurse correlate with these values?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diabetic ketoacidosis in a person with emphysema. The arterial blood values show a low pH (acidosis), high PaCO2 (respiratory acidosis), and normal HCO3 (compensatory metabolic alkalosis). This pattern is consistent with a mixed acid-base disorder seen in diabetic ketoacidosis where metabolic acidosis from ketone production is partially compensated by respiratory acidosis from decreased alveolar ventilation due to emphysema. The other choices do not align with the given blood values. Choice B is incorrect as it would typically show respiratory alkalosis. Choice C would show respiratory alkalosis with low PaCO2. Choice D would result in metabolic acidosis with low HCO3.
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