A client is admitted with a suspected opioid overdose and a respiratory rate of 6 breaths per minute. Which of the following data would the nurse anticipate? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
pH 7.29
Pa CO2 54
pH 7.51
PaO2 72
Pa CO2 31
Correct Answer : A,B
A. pH 7.29: A respiratory rate of 6 breaths per minute suggests hypoventilation, which can lead to respiratory acidosis due to retention of carbon dioxide (CO2). A decrease in pH (acidosis) is expected in this scenario.
B. PaCO2 54: In respiratory acidosis, PaCO2 levels are elevated due to inadequate ventilation, leading to CO2 retention. Therefore, an elevated PaCO2 level would be anticipated in this situation.
C. pH 7.51: A pH of 7.51 indicates alkalosis, which is not consistent with the expected respiratory acidosis in the context of opioid overdose and hypoventilation. Therefore, this choice is not anticipated.
D. PaO2 72: Oxygenation may be impaired in opioid overdose due to respiratory depression, but this PaO2 level is within the normal range. Hypoxemia is not typically a prominent feature of respiratory acidosis unless there are concurrent respiratory conditions or complications. Therefore, this choice is not anticipated.
E. PaCO2 31: A PaCO2 level of 31 indicates hypocapnia, which is not consistent with the expected respiratory acidosis in the context of opioid overdose and hypoventilation. Therefore, this choice is not anticipated.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Confidentiality refers to the ethical duty of healthcare providers to safeguard patient information and maintain privacy. Upholding confidentiality means that healthcare providers must not disclose sensitive information about a patient to unauthorized individuals without the patient's consent. In this scenario, if the client asks the nurse not to disclose their medical diagnosis to their family members, respecting this request would uphold the principle of confidentiality by protecting the privacy of the patient's health information.
B. Justice in healthcare refers to the fair and equitable distribution of resources and the provision of healthcare services. While justice is an important ethical principle, it is not directly applicable to the client's request regarding the disclosure of their medical diagnosis to their family members.
C. Veracity, also known as truthfulness, is the ethical principle of honesty and truthfulness in communication with patients. Upholding veracity means providing patients with accurate and truthful information about their health condition and treatment options. In this scenario, if the nurse complies with the client's request not to disclose their medical diagnosis to their family members, it may involve withholding information and not fully disclosing the truth to the family members. Therefore, upholding the client's request may conflict with the principle of veracity.
D. A healthcare proxy is a legal document that allows an individual (the proxy) to make healthcare decisions on behalf of another person (the principal) if the principal is unable to make decisions for themselves. The existence of a healthcare proxy does not directly relate to the client's request regarding the disclosure of their medical diagnosis to their family members.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. One of the primary purposes of inserting an NG tube is to decompress the stomach by removing gastric contents. In the case of abdominal distention and severe vomiting, excess gas and fluid accumulation in the stomach can contribute to discomfort and further vomiting. The NG tube provides a way to suction out these contents, relieving pressure and reducing symptoms.
B. NG tubes can also be used to administer medications directly into the stomach. This route is particularly useful when a client is unable to take medications orally due to vomiting or other gastrointestinal issues. Medications can be crushed and dissolved in liquid form before being administered through the NG tube.
C. In some situations, such as when assessing for gastrointestinal bleeding or checking for tube placement, it may be necessary to determine the pH of gastric secretions. Gastric aspirate obtained through the NG tube can be tested for acidity, which can help confirm that the tube is correctly positioned in the stomach and provide information about the client's digestive function.
D. While NG tubes can be used to supply nutrients via tube feedings, this is not typically the primary rationale for their use in the acute situation described (abdominal distention and severe vomiting). However, in cases where a client is unable to tolerate oral intake due to their condition, tube feedings can be administered through the NG tube to provide essential nutrients and maintain nutritional status.
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