how should a nurse assess fluid balance in a patient with heart failure

ATI RN

ATI Exit Exam RN

1. How should fluid balance be assessed in a patient with heart failure?

A. Monitor daily weight
B. Monitor input and output
C. Check for edema
D. Monitor blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In patients with heart failure, monitoring daily weight is the most accurate method for assessing fluid balance. Weight gain can indicate fluid retention, a common issue in heart failure patients. Monitoring input and output (B) is essential but may not always accurately reflect fluid balance. Checking for edema (C) is important as it can indicate fluid accumulation, but daily weight monitoring is more precise. Monitoring blood pressure (D) is important in heart failure management but does not directly assess fluid balance.

2. A client with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is being taught about lifestyle modifications. Which of the following instructions should be included?

A. Sleep with the head of the bed elevated.
B. Avoid drinking fluids with meals.
C. Eat three large meals each day.
D. Lie down after eating.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with GERD is to avoid drinking fluids with meals. This is because consuming fluids while eating can exacerbate reflux symptoms by increasing stomach distension and contributing to the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Option A is incorrect as elevating the head of the bed can help prevent reflux during sleep, not while drinking fluids. Option C is incorrect as consuming three large meals a day can worsen GERD symptoms due to increased gastric distension. Option D is incorrect as lying down after eating can also worsen GERD symptoms by promoting the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus.

3. A client is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A. Heart rate of 90/min
B. Temperature of 37.1°C (98.8°F)
C. Serosanguineous wound drainage
D. Urine output of 25 mL/hr

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A urine output of 25 mL/hr is a sign of oliguria, which may indicate dehydration or kidney impairment and should be reported. A heart rate of 90/min is within the normal range (60-100/min) for adults at rest and may be expected postoperatively. A temperature of 37.1°C (98.8°F) is within the normal range (36.1-37.2°C or 97-99°F) and does not indicate an immediate concern. Serosanguineous wound drainage is a common finding postoperatively and indicates a normal healing process.

4. Which medication is commonly prescribed for a patient with hypertension?

A. Lisinopril
B. Metformin
C. Atorvastatin
D. Aspirin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Lisinopril. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor commonly prescribed to patients with hypertension to manage their blood pressure. Metformin is used to treat type 2 diabetes, not hypertension (choice B). Atorvastatin is a statin used to lower cholesterol levels, not primarily prescribed for hypertension (choice C). Aspirin is used for its antiplatelet effects and in preventing cardiovascular events, but it is not a first-line treatment for hypertension (choice D). Therefore, Lisinopril is the most suitable choice for a patient with hypertension.

5. A nurse is preparing discharge information for a client who has type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following resources should the nurse provide?

A. Personal blogs about managing diabetes medications
B. Food exchange lists for meal planning from the American Diabetes Association
C. Diabetes medication information from the Physicians' Desk Reference
D. Food label recommendations from the Institute of Medicine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Food exchange lists from the American Diabetes Association are a reliable resource for meal planning in diabetes. They provide structured guidance on appropriate food choices and portion sizes. Choice A, personal blogs, may not always offer accurate and evidence-based information. Choice C, diabetes medication information from the Physicians' Desk Reference, is not directly related to meal planning. Choice D, food label recommendations from the Institute of Medicine, while important for understanding nutritional content, may not provide the structured meal planning guidance needed for a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus.