how should a nurse manage a patient with dehydration

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor

1. How should a healthcare provider manage a patient with dehydration?

A. Monitor fluid intake
B. Encourage oral rehydration
C. Administer IV fluids
D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Dehydration management involves a comprehensive approach that includes monitoring fluid intake to assess the severity of dehydration, encouraging oral rehydration to replenish fluids orally if the patient can tolerate it, and administering IV fluids in severe cases where oral intake is insufficient. Choosing just one of these options may not address the diverse needs of patients with dehydration. Therefore, selecting 'All of the above' is the most appropriate response as it encompasses the various strategies required for effective dehydration management.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has returned to the medical-surgical unit following a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Which of the following should the nurse identify as a priority nursing assessment after reviewing the client's information?

A. Level of consciousness.
B. Skin turgor.
C. Deep-tendon reflexes.
D. Bowel sounds.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Level of consciousness. Following a TURP procedure, monitoring the client's level of consciousness is crucial as it can indicate potential postoperative complications such as hemorrhage or shock. Skin turgor (choice B) is more related to hydration status, deep-tendon reflexes (choice C) are not the priority post-TURP, and bowel sounds (choice D) are important but not the priority in this situation.

3. What are the key signs of hyperkalemia and how should it be treated?

A. Elevated potassium levels, muscle weakness; administer calcium gluconate
B. Decreased potassium levels, confusion; administer potassium chloride
C. Elevated sodium levels, bradycardia; administer sodium bicarbonate
D. Low sodium levels, muscle cramps; administer sodium chloride

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct signs of hyperkalemia include elevated potassium levels and muscle weakness. The treatment involves administering calcium gluconate to help stabilize the heart. Choice B is incorrect as hyperkalemia is characterized by elevated, not decreased, potassium levels. Choice C is incorrect as hyperkalemia does not involve elevated sodium levels, and the treatment is not sodium bicarbonate. Choice D is incorrect as hyperkalemia does not lead to low sodium levels, and sodium chloride is not the treatment for hyperkalemia.

4. What should a healthcare professional prioritize when managing a client with delirium?

A. Administering sedative medication
B. Providing a low-stimulation environment
C. Identifying the underlying cause of the delirium
D. Controlling behavioral symptoms with medication

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When managing a client with delirium, the priority should be to identify the underlying cause of the delirium. Delirium can result from various triggers such as infections, medication side effects, or metabolic imbalances. By determining the root cause, healthcare professionals can provide targeted treatment and improve outcomes. Administering sedative medication (Choice A) could exacerbate delirium as these drugs can worsen confusion. While providing a low-stimulation environment (Choice B) is beneficial, it is not as critical as identifying the cause. Controlling behavioral symptoms with medication (Choice D) should only be considered after identifying and addressing the underlying cause of delirium.

5. A nurse is reinforcing discharge instructions with the parent of an infant who has rotavirus. Which of the following statements by the parent indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. I will avoid feeding my baby for 12 hours
B. I will apply diaper cream during each diaper change
C. I will give my baby water between feedings
D. I will apply warm compresses for my baby's comfort

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Applying diaper cream during each diaper change is important to prevent skin breakdown in infants with rotavirus. Rotavirus can cause diarrhea, which can lead to skin irritation. Avoiding feeding the baby for 12 hours (choice A) can lead to dehydration and is not appropriate. Giving water between feedings (choice C) can further contribute to dehydration. Applying warm compresses (choice D) may provide comfort but does not address the specific issue of preventing skin breakdown associated with rotavirus.