ATI RN
ATI Fluid and Electrolytes
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who requires measurement of specific gravity every 4 hours. What does this test detect?
- A. Nutritional deficit
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Hypercalcemia
- D. Fluid volume status
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Specific gravity is a test used to determine the concentration of solutes in the urine, reflecting the kidney's ability to concentrate urine. Changes in specific gravity can indicate fluid volume status, such as dehydration (fluid volume deficit) or overhydration (fluid volume excess). Options A, B, and C are incorrect as specific gravity does not directly detect nutritional deficits, hyperkalemia, or hypercalcemia.
2. Which of the following is not considered an extracellular fluid?
- A. Cerebrospinal fluid
- B. The humors of the eye
- C. Lymph
- D. Cerebrospinal fluid and the humors of the eye
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Cerebrospinal fluid and the humors of the eye are not considered extracellular fluids. Extracellular fluids are fluids found outside the cells, such as interstitial fluid and lymph. Cerebrospinal fluid is found within the central nervous system, while the humors of the eye (aqueous humor and vitreous humor) are located within the eyeball, making them distinct from extracellular fluids.
3. The nurse in the intensive care unit receives arterial blood gases (ABG) with a patient who is complaining of being 'short of breath.' The ABG has the following values: pH = 7.21, PaCO2 = 64 mm Hg, HCO3 = 24 mmol/L. The labs reflect:
- A. Respiratory acidosis
- B. Metabolic alkalosis
- C. Respiratory alkalosis
- D. Metabolic acidosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The ABG values indicate respiratory acidosis. A pH below 7.40, a PaCO2 above 40 mm Hg, and a normal HCO3 level (24 mmol/L) suggest respiratory acidosis. In this case, the patient has an acidic pH (7.21) and an elevated PaCO2 (64 mm Hg), indicating inadequate ventilation. The normal HCO3 level suggests that compensation by the kidneys has not occurred, implying an acute event. Choices B, C, and D can be ruled out based on the given ABG values and the criteria for acid-base disorders.
4. You are caring for a patient with a secondary diagnosis of hypermagnesemia. What assessment finding would be most consistent with this diagnosis?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Kussmaul respirations
- C. Increased DTRs
- D. Shallow respirations
Correct answer: D
Rationale:
5. .A nurse assesses a clients peripheral IV site, and notices edema and tenderness above the site. Which action should the nurse take next?
- A. Apply cold compresses to the IV site.
- B. Elevate the extremity on a pillow.
- C. Flush the catheter with normal saline.
- D. . Stop the infusion of intravenous fluids.
Correct answer: D
Rationale:
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