A 25-year-old patient is admitted to the ambulatory surgery unit to receive two units of whole blood.

The patient has anemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, hypertension, schizophrenia, and primary hypothyroidism.

The patient’s vital signs are BP 100/68, P 110, R 24, T 99.1 °F, O2-97%. The patient reports experiencing shortness of breath with exertion, fatigue, dizziness when standing, and an intolerance to cold temperatures.

Initial labs indicate an Hgb of 6.8, an Hct of 21.2, a CRP of 38, an albumin of 14, and an iron level of 9. The patient’s current medications include hydroxychloroquine 200 mg one BID, amlodipine 10 mg one PO daily, Citalopram 20 mg one PO daily, Lisinopril 20 mg one PO daily, sertraline 50 mg one daily, levothyroxine 75 mg one PO daily, Ferrous sulfate 30 mg one PO TID, and quetiapine 100 mg one PO HS. Which patient assessment findings require immediate follow-up by the nurse at this time? (Select all that apply)

Choice A rationale:
Wearing a respirator when handling urine output is not routinely recommended for MRSA infections. While airborne transmission of MRSA is possible, it is primarily spread through direct contact with infected skin or surfaces. Respirators are typically reserved for situations where there is a high risk of aerosolization, such as during certain medical procedures.
The use of a respirator can be cumbersome and uncomfortable, and it may not provide significant additional protection in this context.

It's important to prioritize hand hygiene and contact precautions over respirator use for routine care of patients with MRSA infections.
Choice B rationale:
Limiting visitors strictly to immediate family members only is not necessary for MRSA infection control. Visitors can be educated on proper hand hygiene and contact precautions to minimize the risk of transmission.
Restricting visitors can have negative psychosocial impacts on the patient, such as isolation and decreased social support. It's important to balance infection control measures with the patient's overall well-being.
Choice C rationale:
Washing hands only after removing gloves post-care is inadequate for MRSA infection control. Hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:
Before and after entering the patient's room
Before and after any contact with the patient or their surroundings After removing gloves
After using the toilet Before eating or drinking.

Choice D rationale:
Vancomycin is an antibiotic that is effective against MRSA infections. It is often the first-line treatment for these infections.
Preparing to administer vancomycin as prescribed by the healthcare provider is the most appropriate action to take to address the patient's MRSA infection.
Prompt initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy is essential to controlling the infection and preventing complications.

Choice A rationale:
Hyperventilation is a condition characterized by rapid and deep breathing, leading to excessive removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body. This decrease in CO2 levels actually causes respiratory alkalosis, not respiratory acidosis.
CO2 is a weak acid, and its removal from the blood raises the blood pH, making it more alkaline. Key mechanisms involved in hyperventilation-induced respiratory alkalosis:
Increased alveolar ventilation: Hyperventilation increases the rate at which CO2 is expelled from the lungs, reducing its concentration in the blood.
Shift in the equilibrium of the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system: The reduction in CO2 levels drives the equilibrium towards the formation of bicarbonate ions, further reducing the concentration of hydrogen ions and increasing pH.
Renal compensation: The kidneys respond to respiratory alkalosis by excreting more bicarbonate ions, which helps to normalize the blood pH.
Choice B rationale:
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This can lead to impaired ventilation and retention of CO2, which can contribute to respiratory acidosis.
Mechanisms by which asthma can cause respiratory acidosis:
Bronchoconstriction: Narrowed airways impede airflow, making it difficult to expel CO2 from the lungs.
Air trapping: Inflammation and mucus production can lead to air becoming trapped in the lungs, further increasing CO2 levels.
Hypoventilation: Severe asthma attacks can cause respiratory muscle fatigue, leading to a decrease in breathing rate and inadequate CO2 removal.
Choice C rationale:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases characterized by chronic obstruction of airflow. This obstruction can lead to impaired ventilation and retention of CO2, which can contribute to respiratory acidosis.
Mechanisms by which COPD can cause respiratory acidosis:
Emphysema: Destruction of lung tissue reduces the surface area available for gas exchange, making it difficult to expel CO2. Chronic bronchitis: Inflammation and mucus production in the airways can obstruct airflow and trap CO2 in the lungs.
Hypoventilation: COPD can lead to respiratory muscle fatigue and a decrease in breathing rate, further impairing CO2 removal.
Choice D rationale:
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage of an artery in the lungs, usually by a blood clot. This can lead to impaired gas exchange and a decrease in oxygen levels in the blood. In severe cases, PE can also cause respiratory acidosis due to inadequate CO2 removal.
Mechanisms by which PE can cause respiratory acidosis:
Ventilation-perfusion mismatch: PE obstructs blood flow to a portion of the lungs, reducing the amount of CO2 that can be removed from those areas.
Hypoxemia: Low oxygen levels in the blood can stimulate the respiratory drive, leading to hyperventilation and CO2 retention.
Right heart failure: PE can strain the right side of the heart, leading to decreased pulmonary blood flow and impaired CO2 removal.