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. A nurse is caring for a client who has the following laboratory results: potassium 3.4 mEq/L, magnesium 1.8 mEq/L, calcium 8.5 mEq/L, sodium 144 mEq/L. Which assessment should the nurse complete first?
- A. Assess the client's dietary intake of foods high in potassium.
- B. Assess the client's neuromuscular status.
- C. Assess the client's fluid intake and output.
- D. Read food labels to determine sodium content.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to read food labels to determine sodium content. The client's sodium level is crucial to monitor as it is on the higher side (144 mEq/L), which can indicate hypernatremia. Excessive sodium intake can lead to fluid retention and other complications. Assessing dietary sodium intake can help the nurse and client make necessary adjustments to prevent further sodium imbalances. Choices A, B, and C are not the priority in this situation as the client's sodium level needs immediate attention to prevent potential complications.
3. Place a washcloth between the skin and tourniquet
- A. Provide a bed bath instead of letting the client take a shower
- B. Use sterile technique when changing the dressing.
- C. Disconnect the intravenous fluid tubing prior to the clients bath.
- D. Use a plastic bag to cover the extremity with the device
Correct answer: D
Rationale:
4. A nurse is caring for a client who has just had a central venous access line inserted. Which action should the nurse take next?
- A. Begin the prescribed infusion via the new access
- B. Ensure an x-ray is completed to confirm placement.
- C. Check medication calculations with a second RN.
- D. Make sure the solution is appropriate for a central line
Correct answer: B
Rationale:
5. The community health nurse is performing a home visit to an 84-year-old woman recovering from hip surgery. The nurse notes that the woman seems uncharacteristically confused and has dry mucous membranes. When asked about her fluid intake, the patient states, I stop drinking water early in the day because it is just too difficult to get up during the night to go to the bathroom. What would be the nurses best response?
- A. I will need to have your medications adjusted so you will need to be readmitted to the hospital for a complete workup
- B. Limiting your fluids can create imbalances in your 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. If you build up too much urine in your bladder, it can cause you to get confused, especially when your body is under stress.
Correct answer: B
Rationale:
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