a patient with a longstanding diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder presents to the emergency room the triage nurse notes upon assessment that the

ATI RN

ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation

1. A patient with a longstanding diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder presents to the emergency room. The triage nurse notes upon assessment that the patient is hyperventilating. The triage nurse is aware that hyperventilation is the most common cause

A. Respiratory acidosis
B. Respiratory alkalosis
C. Increased PaCO2
D. CNS disturbances

Correct answer: B

Rationale:

2. 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:

3. Which of the following statements is correct?

A. People with less body fat have more body water.
B. Infants have more water per pound than adults.
C. Females have more body water per pound than males.
D. Infants have the same water content per pound as adults.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct statement is that people with less body fat have more body water. This is because fat tissue contains less water compared to lean tissue, so individuals with less body fat generally have a higher percentage of body water. Choice B is incorrect as infants actually have more water per pound than adults due to their higher body water content. Choice C is incorrect as males typically have more body water per pound than females. Choice D is incorrect as infants have a higher water content per pound compared to adults.

4. A patient is taking spironolactone (Aldactone) to control her hypertension. Her serum potassium level is 6 mEq/L. For this patient, the nurse's priority would be to assess her:

A. Neuromuscular function
B. Bowel sounds
C. Respiratory rate
D. Electrocardiogram (ECG) results

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a patient with a serum potassium level of 6 mEq/L due to spironolactone use, the nurse's priority is to assess the Electrocardiogram (ECG) results. Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation, which can be detected on an ECG. While changes in neuromuscular function, bowel sounds, and respiratory rate can occur with hyperkalemia, the most critical assessment related to the patient's condition would be monitoring the ECG for signs of cardiac complications.