A client has the following laboratory values: a pH of 7.55, an HCO3 level of 22 mEq/L, and a PaCO2 of 30 mmHg. Which action would the nurse plan to take?
Prepare the client for IV infusion of normal saline
Perform Allen's test
Encourage the client to increase breathing
Encourage the client to slow down breathing
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because normal saline is not indicated for this client. Normal saline is a isotonic solution that does not alter the acid-base balance. The client has respiratory alkalosis, which is caused by hyperventilation and results in a high pH and a low PaCO2.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because Allen's test is not relevant for this client. Allen's test is a test to assess the patency of the radial and ulnar arteries before performing an arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling or cannulation. The client already has ABG results, so there is no need to perform Allen's test.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because increasing breathing would worsen the client's condition. Increasing breathing would cause the client to exhale more carbon dioxide, which would lower the PaCO2 and raise the pH even more. This would increase the severity of respiratory alkalosis.
Choice D reason: This is correct because slowing down breathing would help the client to correct the respiratory alkalosis. Slowing down breathing would allow the client to retain more carbon dioxide, which would increase the PaCO2 and lower the pH. This would bring the acid-base balance closer to normal.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: One slice of wheat bread is not the best source of potassium, as it contains only about 70 mg of potassium per serving. The recommended daily intake of potassium for adults is 4,700 mg.
Choice B reason: One wedge of cantaloupe is a good source of potassium, as it contains about 430 mg of potassium per serving. However, it is not the best source of potassium among the choices given.
Choice C reason: One banana is the best source of potassium among the choices given, as it contains about 420 mg of potassium per serving. Bananas are also rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Choice D reason: One slice of cheddar cheese is not the best source of potassium, as it contains only about 28 mg of potassium per serving. Cheese is also high in sodium, fat, and calories, which can have negative effects on blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Panting with mouth open is not an appropriate intervention for an anxious patient with a high respiratory rate. This could increase the risk of hyperventilation and respiratory alkalosis, which could worsen the anxiety and cause symptoms such as dizziness, tingling, and muscle spasms.
Choice B reason: Sitting up is an appropriate intervention for an anxious patient with a high respiratory rate. This could help the patient relax and breathe more deeply and slowly, which could reduce the anxiety and normalize the blood gas levels.
Choice C reason: Lying down is not an appropriate intervention for an anxious patient with a high respiratory rate. This could make the patient feel more claustrophobic and increase the anxiety and the respiratory rate.
Choice D reason: Breathing through a re-breather mask is not an appropriate intervention for an anxious patient with a high respiratory rate. This could increase the oxygen concentration in the blood, which could reduce the stimulus for breathing and cause respiratory depression.
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