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: A haematocrit of 30% is below the normal range and indicates anaemia, which is common in hypothyroidism. However, it does not require immediate intervention compared to a decline in consciousness.

Choice B reason: Facial puffiness and periorbital enema are common signs of hypothyroidism but do not require immediate intervention. They are more indicative of chronic, rather than acute, issues.

Choice C reason: A further decline in level of consciousness is critical and warrants immediate action. It can indicate a myxoedema coma, a severe complication of hypothyroidism that is life-threatening and requires urgent treatment.

Choice D reason: Cold and dry skin is a common symptom of hypothyroidism but does not require immediate intervention compared to a decline in consciousness.

A. Fluid volume excess. B. Disturbed thought processes. C. Altered breathing pattern.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Fluid volume excess is not related to the therapeutic use of galantamine hydrobromide. This medication is used to improve cognitive function in clients with Alzheimer's disease, which is more closely associated with disturbed thought processes.

Choice B reason: Disturbed thought processes are directly related to the therapeutic use of galantamine hydrobromide. This medication helps enhance cognitive function by increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the brain, which is crucial for memory and thinking. Clients with Alzheimer's disease often experience cognitive decline, and this medication aims to mitigate those symptoms.

Choice C reason: Altered breathing pattern is not addressed by the therapeutic use of galantamine hydrobromide. This medication is specifically used to treat cognitive symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease, rather than respiratory issues.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client who has a history of hypothyroidism was admitted with lethargy and confusion. Which additional finding warrants immediate action by the nurse?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse administers galantamine hydrobromide to a client with early onset Alzheimer's disease. Which nursing problem addresses its therapeutic use?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is assessing a client who is newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus calls the home care nurse and reports taking a morning dose of 70/30 insulin before realizing they have a stomach virus and are now unable to eat breakfast due to nausea. Which initial instruction should the nurse provide the client?

The nurse is planning discharge teaching for a client who has cystitis. Which information should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

A client with a history of diabetes mellitus and hypertension received new medication prescriptions three days ago. Today the client returns to the clinic reporting a severe headache and blurred vision. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

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

A client in the operating room received succinylcholine. The client is experiencing muscle rigidity and has an extremely high temperature. Which action should the nurse implement?

The nurse is performing a physical assessment of a client. Which finding should the nurse recognize is a result of a compromised peripheral arterial circulation of the lower extremity?

While assessing a client following lithotripsy with stent insertion, which data indicates to the nurse that the procedure was successful?