a patients most recent laboratory results show a slight decrease in potassium the physician has opted to forego drug therapy but has suggested increas

ATI RN

ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation

1. A patient's most recent laboratory results show a slight decrease in potassium. The physician has opted to forego drug therapy but has suggested increasing the patient's dietary intake of potassium. Which of the following would be a good source of potassium?

A. Apples
B. Asparagus
C. Carrots
D. Bananas

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Bananas are an excellent source of potassium. They are a popular choice for increasing dietary potassium intake due to their rich potassium content. Apples, asparagus, and carrots do not contain as high levels of potassium as bananas. While these fruits and vegetables are nutritious, they are not as effective in addressing a potassium deficiency as bananas.

2. A nurse admitting a patient with a history of emphysema reviews her past lab reports and notes that the patient's PaCO2 has been 56 to 64 mmHg. The nurse will be cautious administering oxygen because:

A. The patient's calcium will rise dramatically due to pituitary stimulation.
B. The oxygen will increase the patient's intracranial pressure and create confusion.
C. The oxygen may cause the patient to hyperventilate and become acidotic.
D. Using oxygen may result in the patient developing carbon dioxide narcosis and hypoxemia.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When PaCO2 chronically exceeds 50 mm Hg, it creates insensitivity to CO2 in the respiratory medulla, and the use of oxygen may result in the patient developing carbon dioxide narcosis and hypoxemia. Choice A is incorrect because administering oxygen does not lead to a dramatic rise in calcium due to pituitary stimulation. Choice B is incorrect because administering oxygen does not directly increase intracranial pressure or create confusion. Choice C is incorrect because administering oxygen to a patient with emphysema and high PaCO2 levels is more likely to cause respiratory depression than hyperventilation and acidosis.

3. The triage nurse notes upon assessment in the emergency room that the patient with anxiety is hyperventilating. The nurse is aware that hyperventilation is the most common cause of which acid-base imbalance?

A. Respiratory acidosis
B. Respiratory alkalosis
C. Metabolic acidosis
D. Metabolic alkalosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation is the most common cause of acute respiratory alkalosis. When a patient hyperventilates due to anxiety or other causes, they blow off excessive carbon dioxide, leading to a decrease in PaCO2 and a rise in pH. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because hyperventilation leads to a decrease in PaCO2, causing respiratory alkalosis, not respiratory acidosis, metabolic acidosis, or metabolic alkalosis.

4. What is the main force that pushes fluid in blood capillaries?

A. Blood pressure.
B. Sodium in the blood plasma.
C. Sodium in the interstitial fluid.
D. Protein in the blood plasma.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, blood pressure. Blood pressure is the primary force that pushes fluid out of the capillaries into the surrounding tissues. This pressure difference is essential for the exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste products between the blood and tissues. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the primary force responsible for pushing fluid in blood capillaries.