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 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.

A. Administer insulin per sliding scale. B. Start hourly blood glucose monitoring. C. Initiate an IV bolus of 0.9% sodium chloride. D. Provide a snack of cheese and crackers.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Administering insulin per sliding scale is typically based on blood glucose levels, not just the client's report of hunger. Since the client has already received insulin, providing more insulin without knowing the current blood glucose level could cause hypoglycaemia.

Choice B reason: Starting hourly blood glucose monitoring might be necessary in certain situations, but the immediate need is to address the client's hunger, which could be a sign of impending hypoglycaemia. Addressing the hunger first is more urgent.

Choice C reason: Initiating an IV bolus of 0.9% sodium chloride is not indicated in this scenario. This intervention is typically used for dehydration or other fluid imbalances, not for managing hunger or blood glucose levels directly.

Choice D reason: Providing a snack of cheese and crackers is the most appropriate action. The client's report of hunger after receiving insulin and eating only half of breakfast suggests they might be at risk for hypoglycaemia. A snack will help stabilize their blood glucose levels and prevent hypoglycaemia.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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

The nurse administers regular insulin SUBQ at 0700 to a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), after which the client eats one-half of the breakfast provided. At 1000, the client reports being hungry. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client with a history of asthma reports having episodes of bronchoconstriction and increased mucus production while exercising. Which action should the nurse implement?

An adult client has been admitted to the hospital with asthma exacerbation. Which trigger should the nurse identify as being the most significant cause of this client's asthma complications?

The home health nurse is caring for a client with Parkinson's disease who is beginning to experience swallowing difficulties. Which intervention should the nurse include in this client's plan of care?

The nurse is obtaining a health history from a new client who has a history of kidney stones. Which statement by the client indicates an increased risk for renal calculi?

While assisting a client to the toilet, the client begins to have a seizure and the nurse eases the client to the floor. The nurse calls for help and monitors the client until the seizing stops. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

The nurse is developing a plan of care for a client who reports frequent urination and who is newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Which outcome should the nurse include in the plan of care for this client?

The nurse is evaluating a client's understanding of diet teaching about the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan. Which behaviour indicates that the client is adhering to the eating plan?