A 25-year-old patient with generalized anxiety disorder presents to the ED with shortness of breath, dizziness, and tingling in the fingers. The nurse reviews the ABG results: pH: 7.50, PaCO2: 30 mmHg HCO3: 24 mEq/L. What is the most likely acid-base imbalance?

Respiratory acidosis

Metabolic alkalosis

Respiratory alkalosis

Metabolic acidosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Respiratory acidosis would present with a low pH (acidotic) and a high PaCO2, which is not the case here.

B. Metabolic alkalosis would be suggested by an elevated pH and elevated HCO3, but here, the bicarbonate level is normal (24 mEq/L).

C. Respiratory alkalosis is indicated by a pH of 7.50 (alkalosis) and a PaCO2 of 30 mmHg, which is lower than the normal range (35-45 mmHg). This low PaCO2 suggests that the patient is hyperventilating, likely due to anxiety, which causes the body to excrete too much CO2.

D. Metabolic acidosis would present with a low pH and a low bicarbonate level, neither of which are seen in this case.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. The behavior of picking up after others does not limit interaction time with others; it is driven by anxiety.

B. The compulsive behavior in OCD is often used as a coping mechanism to reduce anxiety. The client is attempting to neutralize or manage obsessive thoughts by performing these repetitive actions.

C. The behavior is not intended to focus attention on meaningful tasks but to alleviate distress.

D. While the behavior might seem to control the environment, the primary motivation is anxiety reduction, not manipulation of others.

A. “PMDD requires hormonal therapy, while PMS does not.” B. “PMDD causes only physical symptoms, while PMS involves mood changes." C. "PMDD symptoms resolve immediately after menstruation begins." D. "PMDD is a more severe form of PMS that significantly interferes with daily functioning."

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Hormonal therapy may be used for PMDD but is not a distinguishing factor from PMS.

B. PMDD involves both mood and physical symptoms, unlike PMS, which primarily involves physical symptoms.

C. PMDD symptoms may persist through the beginning of menstruation, unlike PMS, which typically resolves with the onset of the period.

D. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) characterized by mood disturbances, irritability, and functional impairment that significantly affect a person’s ability to function in daily life.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A 25-year-old patient with generalized anxiety disorder presents to the ED with shortness of breath, dizziness, and tingling in the fingers. The nurse reviews the ABG results: pH: 7.50, PaCO2: 30 mmHg HCO3: 24 mEq/L. What is the most likely acid-base imbalance?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and is constantly picking up after others in the day room. The nurse should recognize that the client uses this behavior to do which of the following?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client with Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) asks how her condition differs from premenstrual syndrome (PMS). What is the nurse's best response?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is planning care for a client who is in the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?

A 35-year-old client with OCD spends several hours each day arranging and rearranging household items in a specific order. The client becomes extremely distressed if the items are not arranged correctly. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing excessive anxiety and worry in response to a variety of circumstances, and is unable to control their sense of worry. The nurse should identity that these manifestations indicate which of the following?

A nurse in a mental health facility is planning care for a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and is newly admitted to the unit. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take regarding the client's compulsive behaviors?

What is a possible outcome criterion for a client diagnosed with anxiety disorder?

A nurse in an acute care mental health facility is preparing to administer morning medication for a client who has been taking lithium for 2 weeks and has a current lithium level of 1.0 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and is taking lithium. The client reports blurred vision and ataxia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?