A client with a bowel obstruction is experiencing intractable vomiting for the last several hours despite the administration of prescribed antiemetics. The nurse obtains the client's arterial blood gas (ABG) results which identify a pH of 7.50, a PaCO2 of 42 mm Hg, and an HCO3 of 33 me/L (33 mmol/L). The nurse should interpret these results as confirming which acid-base imbalance?

Respiratory acidosis.

Metabolic acidosis.

Metabolic alkalosis.

Respiratory alkalosis.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH and an elevated PaCO2 due to hypoventilation, which results in CO2 retention. The ABG results in this case show a normal PaCO2, making this option incorrect.

Choice B reason: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a low HCO3 due to an accumulation of acids or loss of bicarbonate. The ABG results show a high pH and a high HCO3, which are opposite to the findings of metabolic acidosis.

Choice C reason: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and an elevated HCO3. This condition can result from excessive loss of stomach acid due to vomiting or the use of diuretics. The ABG results show a pH of 7.50 and HCO3 of 33 me/L, both indicative of metabolic alkalosis.

Choice D reason: Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and a low PaCO2 due to hyperventilation, which leads to CO2 loss. The ABG results show a normal PaCO2, ruling out respiratory alkalosis as the correct diagnosis.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: While high serum insulin levels can be indicative of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, they are not as directly related to cardiac risk as large waist circumference.

Choice B reason: Hyperpigmentation on neck skin folds, also known as acanthosis nigricans, can indicate insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome but is not as strong a predictor of cardiac disease as central obesity.

Choice C reason: Poor muscle tone is not a direct indicator of cardiac disease risk. It can be associated with overall health and fitness but is not as specific a risk factor for cardiac disease.

Choice D reason: Large waist circumference with central fat, also known as abdominal obesity, is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Central fat is associated with increased risk of heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes, making it a significant indicator to monitor.

A. Tachycardia. B. Edem of the ankles. C. Dyspneal. D. Unilateral diminished breath sounds.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Tachycardia, or a rapid heart rate, can be a symptom associated with COPD, especially during exacerbations or due to medication effects. However, it is not the primary symptom used to evaluate the effectiveness of COPD treatment.

Choice B reason: Edem of the ankles can occur in COPD patients due to right-sided heart failure (cur pulmonale) associated with chronic lung disease. While it is an important symptom to monitor, it is not the primary indicator of COPD treatment effectiveness.

Choice C reason: Dyspneal, or difficulty breathing, is the most significant and primary symptom of COPD. The primary goal of COPD treatment is to improve the client's breathing and reduce dyspneal. Assessing the client's level of breathlessness provides direct insight into how well the treatment is managing the condition.

Choice D reason: Unilateral diminished breath sounds can indicate localized issues such as pneumothorax or pleural effusion rather than the overall effectiveness of COPD treatment. Bilateral lung sounds and general respiratory status are more relevant to evaluating COPD management.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse calculates the body mass index (BMI) for an adult client who is obese. Which additional assessment finding places the client at high risk for cardiac disease?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

During a home visit, the nurse should evaluate the effectiveness of a client's treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by assessing for which primary symptom?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A 26-year-old client is admitted to the hospital for treatment of a simple goitre, and levothyroxine sodium is prescribed. Which symptoms indicate to the nurse that the prescribed dosage is too high for this client?

The chest x-ray for a client who is admitted for pneumonia shows a pleural effusion with decreased air flow in the entire left upper lobe. After auscultating the left upper lobe, which breath sounds documented by the nurse verify the x-ray findings?

The nurse is preparing to obtain a rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) test for a client who was exposed to the virus eight days ago. The client is experiencing fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?

When teaching a client with Parkinson's disease, which rationale for the prescription of carbidopa-levodopa should the nurse include?

The nurse reviews discharge instructions with a client who has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Which instruction is most important for the nurse to emphasize?

After placing a client who is having a seizure in the side-lying position, which intervention should the nurse implement?

The nurse is caring for a client admitted to the unit for possible hyperthyroidism. The client describes weakness, nervousness, a racing heartbeat, and recent weight loss of 15 pounds (6.8 kg). Which action should the nurse implement first?

A female college student comes to the school's health clinic reporting urinary frequency and burning with right lower back pain. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?