how should a nurse assess a patient with dehydration
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Answers

1. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with dehydration?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: When assessing a patient for dehydration, healthcare professionals should monitor skin turgor, as it indicates the degree of dehydration, and check urine output, as decreased urine output can be a sign of dehydration. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly assess for dehydration. Assessing for jugular venous distention (B) is more relevant for heart failure, auscultating lung sounds and monitoring for fever (C) are more relevant for respiratory infections, and monitoring for cyanosis and increased respiratory rate (D) are more indicative of respiratory distress rather than dehydration.

2. A nurse is assessing a client who has a brainstem injury. The nurse should expect the client to exhibit which of the following findings?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decerebrate posturing. Decerebrate posturing is an abnormal body posture characterized by rigid extension of the arms and legs, which indicates severe brainstem injury affecting the midbrain and pons. This posture suggests dysfunction or damage to neural pathways controlling muscle tone. Choice B, hypervigilance, is not typically associated with brainstem injury but rather with increased alertness and arousal. Choice C, absence of deep tendon reflexes, is not a specific finding related to brainstem injury. Choice D, a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15, indicates a fully awake and alert state, which is not expected in a client with a brainstem injury.

3. A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion. What is the first action?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action when preparing to administer a blood transfusion is to verify the client's blood type before starting the transfusion. This step is crucial to prevent transfusion reactions and complications. Option A is incorrect because blood transfusions should not be administered through an IV push due to the risk of rapid infusion and adverse reactions. Option C is incorrect because blood should be transfused at room temperature, not body temperature. Option D is incorrect because it is not necessary for the client to eat before a blood transfusion.

4. Which nursing action is a priority when caring for a client with heart failure?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Weighing the client daily is a priority action when caring for a client with heart failure because it helps monitor fluid balance. This monitoring is essential in managing heart failure as it allows healthcare providers to assess for signs of fluid retention or depletion, which are crucial in adjusting treatment plans. Encouraging the client to drink fluids frequently (Choice A) may worsen fluid overload in heart failure patients. Increasing fluid intake (Choice C) can exacerbate fluid retention. While limiting sodium intake (Choice D) is important in heart failure management, monitoring fluid balance through daily weighing takes precedence as a priority nursing action.

5. A client with an NG tube is reporting nausea and a decrease in gastric secretions. What is the nurse's first action?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for a client with an NG tube experiencing nausea and decreased gastric secretions is to irrigate the NG tube with sterile water. This helps alleviate blockages and can improve the client's symptoms. Increasing the suction pressure (Choice A) may exacerbate the issue and cause further discomfort. Turning the client onto their left side (Choice C) is not directly related to addressing the reported symptoms. Replacing the NG tube with a new one (Choice D) should be considered only after attempting initial interventions like irrigation.

Similar Questions

When caring for a client diagnosed with delirium, what condition should the nurse prioritize investigating?
A client has developed phlebitis at the IV site. What is the most appropriate next step?
What are the nursing interventions for a patient with COPD?
A nurse is collecting data from an older adult client during a routine physical examination. Which of the following client statements should the nurse identify as a possible indication of maltreatment?
A client at 20 weeks of gestation is being taught by a nurse about an alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

Access More Features

ATI LPN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI LPN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses