how should a nurse manage a patient with fluid overload

ATI LPN

PN ATI Comprehensive Predictor

1. How should a healthcare professional manage a patient with fluid overload?

A. Restrict fluids and administer diuretics
B. Increase fluid intake and provide oral diuretics
C. Administer antibiotics and monitor weight
D. Monitor weight and provide a low-sodium diet

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Question: When managing a patient with fluid overload, the appropriate approach involves restricting fluids and administering diuretics. This strategy helps remove excess fluid from the body and prevent complications associated with fluid overload. Choice B suggesting increasing fluid intake is incorrect as it would worsen the condition. Choice C, administering antibiotics, is unrelated to managing fluid overload. Choice D, monitoring weight and providing a low-sodium diet, is helpful but not as effective as fluid restriction and diuretics in managing fluid overload.

2. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with suspected sepsis?

A. Monitor vital signs and administer antibiotics
B. Monitor for signs of infection and confusion
C. Monitor for fever and check oxygen saturation
D. Assess for confusion and administer fluids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a patient with suspected sepsis, it is crucial to monitor vital signs like temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. Administering antibiotics promptly is also vital to treat the infection causing sepsis. This approach helps in preventing the progression of sepsis to severe stages and reduces the risk of complications. Choice B is incorrect because only monitoring signs of infection and confusion may delay necessary treatment with antibiotics. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses only on fever and oxygen saturation, missing other important vital signs. Choice D is incorrect because assessing for confusion alone is not sufficient, and administering fluids should be guided by the patient's fluid status rather than being an initial step in suspected sepsis assessment.

3. What is the priority for the nurse when caring for a patient with a chest tube?

A. Ensure tube patency and observe for air leaks
B. Maintain sterile technique during dressing changes
C. Monitor drainage and record output
D. Observe for signs of infection and monitor for subcutaneous emphysema

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority for the nurse when caring for a patient with a chest tube is to ensure tube patency and observe for air leaks. This is essential to prevent complications such as pneumothorax and ensure the patient's lung function. While maintaining sterile technique during dressing changes, monitoring drainage, recording output, and observing for signs of infection and subcutaneous emphysema are also important, ensuring tube patency takes precedence as it directly impacts the patient's respiratory status and overall safety.

4. What is the nurse's role in preoperative patient care?

A. Provide patient education and ensure NPO status
B. Ensure that informed consent is obtained
C. Obtain the patient's health history
D. Confirm the patient's surgical site

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse plays a crucial role in preoperative patient care by providing education and ensuring NPO (nothing by mouth) status. This helps prepare the patient for surgery by ensuring they understand the procedure, what to expect, and also by following necessary preoperative fasting guidelines. While obtaining the patient's health history (choice C) is important for overall patient assessment, it is typically done during the preoperative assessment but does not specifically pertain to the nurse's role. Ensuring informed consent (choice B) is primarily the responsibility of the healthcare provider performing the procedure. Confirming the patient's surgical site (choice D) is usually the responsibility of the surgical team and is done immediately before the surgery to prevent errors.

5. What are the signs of hypovolemic shock and what is the nurse's role in management?

A. Rapid pulse, low blood pressure; administer IV fluids
B. Cold extremities, rapid breathing; administer oxygen
C. Decreased urine output, sweating; administer diuretics
D. Weak pulse, clammy skin; administer vasopressors

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct signs of hypovolemic shock are a rapid pulse and low blood pressure. Administering IV fluids helps to restore circulating volume, which is essential in managing hypovolemic shock. Choice B is incorrect because cold extremities and rapid breathing are not typical signs of hypovolemic shock. Choice C is incorrect as administering diuretics would further decrease circulating volume, worsening the condition. Choice D is incorrect as administering vasopressors may further compromise perfusion in hypovolemic shock.