a nurse is caring for a patient who requires measurement of specific gravity every 4 hours what does this test detect

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 negative ion is most abundant in blood plasma?

A. Bicarbonate
B. Chloride
C. Hydroxide
D. Phosphate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Chloride (Cl-) is the most abundant anion in blood plasma. It plays a crucial role in maintaining osmotic balance and acid-base homeostasis. Bicarbonate (Choice A) is important for buffering acids in the body but is not the most abundant negative ion in blood plasma. Hydroxide (Choice C) is not typically found in high concentrations in blood plasma. Phosphate (Choice D) is an important anion in the body but is not as abundant as chloride in blood plasma.

3. Which electrolyte is important in the formation of the thyroid hormones?

A. Sodium
B. Iodine
C. Iron
D. Chloride

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Iodine is the correct answer because it is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland incorporates iodine into thyroid hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are crucial for regulating metabolism, growth, and development. Sodium, iron, and chloride are not directly involved in the formation of thyroid hormones, making them incorrect choices.

4. A nurse assesses a client who is admitted with an acid-base imbalance. The clients arterial blood gas values are pH 7.32, PaO2 85 mm Hg, PaCO2 34 mm Hg, and HCO3 16 mEq/L. What action should the nurse take next?

A. Assess clients rate, rhythm, and depth of respiration.
B. Measure the clients pulse and blood pressure.
C. Document the findings and continue to monitor.
D. Notify the physician as soon as possible.

Correct answer: A

Rationale:

5. Who would have the greatest percentage of body water?

A. an obese male
B. a nonobese male
C. a nonobese female
D. a newborn

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Newborns have a higher percentage of body water compared to adults due to their higher body fluid content. Factors such as the higher ratio of body surface area to body volume and lower body fat content contribute to this. This is why a newborn would have the greatest percentage of body water. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because obesity and gender do not determine the percentage of body water in individuals. Therefore, the correct answer is a newborn.