the nurse in the intensive care unit receives arterial blood gases abg with a patient who is complaining of being short of breath the abg has the foll

ATI RN

Fluid and Electrolytes ATI

1. The nurse in the intensive care unit receives arterial blood gases (ABG) with a patient who is complaining of being 'short of breath.' The ABG has the following values: pH = 7.21, PaCO2 = 64 mm Hg, HCO3 = 24 mmol/L. The labs reflect:

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The ABG values indicate respiratory acidosis. A pH below 7.40, a PaCO2 above 40 mm Hg, and a normal HCO3 level (24 mmol/L) suggest respiratory acidosis. In this case, the patient has an acidic pH (7.21) and an elevated PaCO2 (64 mm Hg), indicating inadequate ventilation. The normal HCO3 level suggests that compensation by the kidneys has not occurred, implying an acute event. Choices B, C, and D can be ruled out based on the given ABG values and the criteria for acid-base disorders.

2. What is the most abundant positive ion in blood plasma?

A. Potassium.
B. Calcium.
C. Sodium.
D. Both potassium and sodium are in equal concentrations.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sodium. Sodium (Na+) is the most abundant cation in the extracellular fluid, including blood plasma. It plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and is essential for various physiological processes. Choice A, Potassium, is also an important ion in the body but is predominantly found intracellularly. Choice B, Calcium, is an essential mineral in the body but is not the most abundant positive ion in blood plasma. Choice D is incorrect as sodium is the primary positive ion in blood plasma, with a much higher concentration compared to potassium.

3. A home care nurse prepares to administer intravenous medication to a client. The nurse assesses the site and reviews the clients chart prior to administering the medication: Client: Thomas Jackson DOB: 5/3/1936 Gender: Male January 23 (Today): Right uppe

A. Notify the health care provider
B. . Administer the prescribed medication.
C. Discontinue the PICC
D. Switch the medication to the oral route

Correct answer: B

Rationale:

4. After providing discharge teaching, a nurse assesses the clients understanding regarding increased risk for metabolic alkalosis. Which statement indicates the client needs additional teaching?

A. . I dont drink milk because it gives me gas and diarrhea
B. I have been taking digoxin every day for the last 15 years
C. . I take sodium bicarbonate after every meal to prevent heartburn
D. In hot weather, I sweat so much that I drink six glasses of water each day.

Correct answer: C

Rationale:

5. 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.