what are the key signs of fluid overload

ATI LPN

ATI Comprehensive Predictor PN

1. What are key signs of fluid overload?

A. Edema
B. Hypertension
C. Shortness of breath
D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: All of the above.' Edema, hypertension, and shortness of breath are key signs of fluid overload, particularly common in patients with heart failure. Edema refers to the swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues, hypertension can be a result of fluid volume overload, and shortness of breath can occur due to fluid accumulation in the lungs. Therefore, all these signs collectively indicate fluid overload in a patient. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect individually as each alone may not necessarily indicate fluid overload, but when seen together, they strongly suggest fluid volume excess in the body.

2. What is the primary action the nurse should take first for a client with a pressure ulcer who has a serum albumin level of 3 g/dL?

A. Increase the protein intake in the diet
B. Consult with a dietitian to create a high-protein diet
C. Increase the IV fluid infusion rate
D. Administer a protein supplement

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to consult with a dietitian to create a high-protein diet. A serum albumin level of 3 g/dL indicates hypoalbuminemia, which can impair wound healing. Consulting with a dietitian to optimize the client's protein intake is crucial in promoting wound healing for pressure ulcers. Increasing the protein intake in the diet (Choice A) may not be sufficient without proper guidance from a dietitian. Increasing the IV fluid infusion rate (Choice C) is not directly related to addressing the protein deficiency. Administering a protein supplement (Choice D) should be guided by a healthcare professional's recommendation after consulting with a dietitian.

3. A nurse is preparing to administer an IM injection to a client who is obese. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Use the Z-track method to administer the medication.
B. Use a 1.5-inch needle to administer the medication.
C. Use the deltoid muscle for the injection.
D. Administer the injection at a 90° angle.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Z-track method should be used to administer IM injections in obese clients to prevent medication from leaking into subcutaneous tissue. Using a longer needle (1.5 inches) ensures that the medication reaches the muscle mass adequately. Choice C is incorrect because the deltoid muscle is not ideal for IM injections in obese clients due to inadequate muscle mass. Administering the injection at a 90° angle (perpendicular to the skin) is recommended for IM injections to ensure proper delivery into the muscle.

4. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with hyperkalemia?

A. Monitor ECG and administer insulin
B. Monitor blood glucose levels and provide fluids
C. Monitor for muscle weakness and administer calcium gluconate
D. Monitor electrolyte levels and provide potassium supplements

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Question: When assessing a patient with hyperkalemia, monitoring the ECG and administering insulin are crucial steps. Hyperkalemia can affect the heart's function, leading to life-threatening arrhythmias. Monitoring the ECG helps in identifying any cardiac abnormalities associated with high potassium levels. Administering insulin, along with glucose, helps shift potassium from the bloodstream into the cells, temporarily lowering the potassium levels. Choice B is incorrect because monitoring blood glucose levels and providing fluids are not the primary interventions for hyperkalemia. Choice C is incorrect as monitoring for muscle weakness and administering calcium gluconate are not the first-line treatments for hyperkalemia. Calcium gluconate may be used in specific situations to stabilize cardiac cell membranes in severe cases of hyperkalemia. Choice D is incorrect because monitoring electrolyte levels and providing potassium supplements would worsen hyperkalemia, as the patient already has elevated potassium levels and does not require additional potassium supplementation.

5. The nurse is supervising the staff providing care for an 18-month-old hospitalized with hepatitis A. The nurse determines that the staff's care is appropriate if which of the following is observed?

A. The child is placed in a private room
B. The staff removes a toy from the child's bed and takes it to the nurse's station
C. The staff offers the child french fries and a vanilla milkshake for a midafternoon snack
D. The staff uses standard precautions

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Private room placement is crucial when caring for a patient with hepatitis A to prevent the transmission of the disease to others. Placing the child in a private room helps contain the infection and protect other patients and staff. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because removing a toy from the child's bed, offering specific snacks, or using standard precautions, while important in general care, are not specific measures required to prevent the spread of hepatitis A.