Which patient is at the highest risk for dehydration?
Elderly patient with fever and nausea and vomiting
Teenager who has intentionally limited fluid intake to avoid weight gain
Young patient with diarrhea
Infant who has a fever
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A: Elderly patients are at a higher risk for dehydration due to physiological changes that come with aging, such as decreased kidney function and physical changes to the body's water balance systems. Additionally, fever increases metabolic rate and fluid loss, and nausea and vomiting prevent adequate fluid intake, further increasing the risk of dehydration.
Choice B: While intentionally limiting fluid intake can lead to dehydration, the body's thirst mechanism in a healthy teenager is typically strong enough to prevent severe dehydration.
Choice C: Diarrhea can certainly lead to dehydration, but a young, otherwise healthy patient typically has a stronger ability to recover from fluid loss than an elderly patient.
Choice D: Infants are at a higher risk for dehydration than older children and adults due to their smaller body weight and higher turnover of water and electrolytes, but in this case, the elderly patient's multiple risk factors put them at a higher risk overall.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because amino acids are electrolytes. Electrolytes are substances that dissociate into ions when dissolved in water and conduct electricity. Amino acids have both positive and negative charges and can form ions in solution.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because magnesium is an electrolyte. Magnesium is a metal that forms positive ions (cations) when dissolved in water. Magnesium is important for muscle and nerve function, as well as bone health.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because phosphates are electrolytes. Phosphates are compounds that contain the phosphate ion (PO4 3-), which is a negative ion (anion) in solution. Phosphates are involved in energy metabolism, acid-base balance, and bone formation.
Choice D reason: This is correct because glucose is a nonelectrolyte. Nonelectrolytes are substances that do not dissociate into ions when dissolved in water and do not conduct electricity. Glucose is a simple sugar that dissolves as a whole molecule in water. Glucose is the main source of energy for the body.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, which lowers the carbon dioxide levels in the blood and raises the pH. This is not likely to occur in a client with a nasogastric tube on low suction.
Choice B reason: Metabolic acidosis is caused by an excess of acids or a loss of bases in the body, which lowers the pH. This can occur in conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure, or diarrhea. This is not likely to occur in a client with a nasogastric tube on low suction.
Choice C reason: Respiratory acidosis is caused by hypoventilation, which raises the carbon dioxide levels in the blood and lowers the pH. This can occur in conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, or sedative overdose. This is not likely to occur in a client with a nasogastric tube on low suction.
Choice D reason: Metabolic alkalosis is caused by a loss of acids or an excess of bases in the body, which raises the pH. This can occur in conditions such as vomiting, gastric suction, or diuretic use. This is the most likely acid-base disorder to occur in a client with a nasogastric tube on low suction, as the tube removes gastric acid from the stomach.
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