you are caring for a 65 year old male patient admitted to your medical unit 72 hours ago with pyloric stenosis a nasogastric tube placed upon admissio

ATI RN

ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation

1. You are caring for a 65-year-old male patient admitted to your medical unit 72 hours ago with pyloric stenosis. A nasogastric tube placed upon admission has been on low intermittent suction ever since. Upon review of the mornings blood work, you notice that the patients potassium is below reference range. You should recognize that the patient may be at risk for what imbalance?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale:

2. The chief mechanism for maintaining fluid balance is to:

A. adjust fluid intake so it equals fluid output.
B. adjust fluid intake so it is slightly above fluid output.
C. adjust fluid output so it equals fluid input.
D. adjust fluid intake so it is slightly below fluid output.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'adjust fluid output so it equals fluid input.' Maintaining fluid balance involves ensuring that the amount of fluid lost through processes like urination, sweating, and respiration equals the amount of fluid taken in. This ensures that the body stays properly hydrated. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not focus on the balance between fluid input and output, which is crucial for maintaining proper fluid balance. By adjusting fluid output to equal fluid input, the body can regulate hydration levels effectively, preventing dehydration or overhydration.

3. What is the fluid that surrounds the cells called?

A. plasma
B. interstitial fluid
C. intracellular fluid
D. edema

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is interstitial fluid. Interstitial fluid is the fluid that surrounds and fills the spaces between cells, facilitating nutrient and waste exchange. Plasma, referred to in choice A, is the liquid part of blood. Choice C, intracellular fluid, is the fluid inside cells. Choice D, edema, is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in interstitial spaces, causing swelling.

4. Who would have the greatest percentage of body water?

A. an obese male
B. a nonobese male
C. a nonobese female
D. a newborn

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Newborns have a higher percentage of body water compared to adults due to their higher body fluid content. Factors such as the higher ratio of body surface area to body volume and lower body fat content contribute to this. This is why a newborn would have the greatest percentage of body water. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because obesity and gender do not determine the percentage of body water in individuals. Therefore, the correct answer is a newborn.