ATI Fluid, Electrolyte, And Acid Base Exam 2026/2027 – Correct Questions, Answers, and Rationales

ATI Fluid, Electrolyte, And Acid Base Exam
2026/2027 – Correct Questions, Answers, and
Rationales

Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client who is using PCA following a thoracotomy. The client
is short of breath, appears restless, and has a respiratory rate of 28/min. The
client's ABG results are pH 7.52, PaO2 89 mm Hg, PaCO2 28 mm Hg, and HCO3- 24
mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
 Instruct the client to cough forcefully
 Assist the client with ambulation
 Provide calming interventions
 Discontinue the PCA
Correct Answer: Provide calming interventions.
Rationale: The client's respiratory rate is above the expected range. Calming the
client should decrease the respiratory rate, which will cause the client's carbon
dioxide levels to increase to expected levels of 35 to 45 mm Hg and lower the pH
to expected levels of 7.35 to 7.45. The nurse should instruct the client to breathe
slowly.


Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client who has a sodium level of 155 mEq/L. Which of the
following IV fluids should the nurse anticipate the provider to prescribe?
 Dextrose 5% in 0.9% sodium chloride
 Dextrose 5% in lactated Ringer's
 3% sodium chloride
 0.45% sodium chloride


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, Correct Answer: 0.45% sodium chloride
Rationale: A sodium level of 155 mEq/L is an indication of hypernatremia. The
nurse should anticipate a prescription for a hypotonic solution. The 0.45% sodium
chloride is a hypotonic solution used to provide free water and treat cellular
dehydration, which promotes waste elimination by the kidneys.


Question 3
A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has diabetes mellitus and
is receiving regular insulin by continuous IV infusion to treat diabetic ketoacidosis.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
 Urine output of 30 mL/hr
 Blood glucose of 180 mg/dL
 Serum potassium 3.0 mEq/L
 BUN 18 mg/dL
Correct Answer: Serum potassium 3.0 mEq/L
Rationale: This serum potassium level is below the expected reference range.
Hypokalemia is a serious complication that can occur when a client who has
diabetic ketoacidosis is receiving insulin to treat the condition. The nurse should
report this finding to the provider.


Question 4
A nurse is assessing a client who has a serum calcium level of 8.1 mg/dL. Which of
the following findings is the priority for the nurse to assess?
 Deep tendon reflexes
 Cardiac rhythm
 Peripheral sensation
 Bowel sounds
Correct Answer: Cardiac rhythm

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