a nurse is assessing clients on a medical surgical unit which client is at risk for hypokalemia

ATI RN

ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation

1. While assessing clients on a medical-surgical unit, which client is at risk for hypokalemia?

A. Client with pancreatitis who has continuous nasogastric suctioning
B. Client who is prescribed an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
C. Client in a motor vehicle crash who is receiving 6 units of packed red blood cells
D. Client with uncontrolled diabetes and a serum pH level of 7.33

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Continuous nasogastric suctioning can lead to hypokalemia due to the loss of gastric contents rich in potassium. Therefore, a client with pancreatitis who has continuous nasogastric suctioning is at risk for hypokalemia. Option B is incorrect because ACE inhibitors may lead to hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia. Option C is incorrect as receiving packed red blood cells can lead to hyperkalemia due to the potassium content in the blood product. Option D is incorrect because a serum pH level of 7.33 indicates acidosis, which is not directly associated with hypokalemia.

2. A patient admitted with a gastrointestinal bleed and anemia is receiving a blood transfusion. Based on the patient's hypotensive blood pressure, the nurse anticipates an order for IV fluids from the physician. Which of the following IV solutions may be administered with blood products?

A. D5 and 0.45% Normal Saline
B. Lactated Ringer's
C. 5% dextrose in water
D. 0.9% NaCl

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 0.9% NaCl. The only IV solution that can be administered with blood products is normal saline (0.9% NaCl). This solution is compatible with most blood products and is commonly used during transfusions to maintain hemodynamic stability. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Choice A, D5 and 0.45% Normal Saline, contains dextrose and is not recommended to be given simultaneously with blood products. Choice B, Lactated Ringer's, contains calcium, which can cause coagulation and should not be mixed with blood. Choice C, 5% dextrose in water, is hypotonic and not suitable to be administered with blood products.

3. Which of the following are sources of water intake?

A. Drinking fluids.
B. Consuming water from the food we eat.
C. Water from metabolic processes.
D. Drinking fluids, consuming water from the food we eat, and water from metabolic processes.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The sources of water intake include drinking fluids, consuming water from the food we eat, and water from metabolic processes. Water intake is not solely from the liquids we drink but also from the water content present in the food we consume and the water produced during metabolic processes such as cellular respiration. Therefore, option D is the correct answer as it covers all the sources of water intake. Options A, B, and C alone do not encompass all the sources of water intake, making them incorrect choices.

4. A nurse is assessing clients who have intravenous therapy prescribed. Which assessment finding for a client with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) requires immediate attention?

A. The initial site dressing is 3 days old.
B. The PICC was inserted 4 weeks ago.
C. A securement device is absent.
D. Upper extremity swelling is noted.

Correct answer: D

Rationale:

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:

A. She will need to have her medications adjusted and be readmitted to the hospital for a complete workup.
B. Limiting fluids can create imbalances in the body that can result in confusion; maybe we need to adjust the timing of your fluids.
C. It is normal to be a little confused following surgery and it is safe not to urinate at night.
D. Confusion following surgery is common in the elderly due to loss of sleep.

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.