A female patient with chronic hypertension is admitted to the emergency department with a sudden rise in blood pressure (BP) Which question is the priority for the nurse to ask the patient?

"Are you pregnant?”

"Do you need to urinate?”

"Do you have a headache or confusion?”

"Are you taking antiseizure medications?”

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:

While pregnancy can contribute to increased blood pressure, it is not the priority question in this scenario. The sudden rise in blood pressure could indicate a hypertensive crisis, which needs immediate attention.

Choice B rationale:

Urination is not directly related to sudden rises in blood pressure. While urinary issues could be a sign of certain conditions, they are not the priority when dealing with a hypertensive emergency.

Choice C rationale:

A sudden rise in blood pressure can lead to symptoms such as headache and confusion, which could indicate a hypertensive crisis. This question is crucial to assess neurological symptoms, which can be indicative of target organ damage due to hypertension.

Choice D rationale:

Antiseizure medications are not directly related to sudden increases in blood pressure. Neurological symptoms (like those in choice C) are more indicative of a hypertensive crisis and require immediate attention.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and a low bicarbonate level (<22 mEq/L) The given arterial blood gas (ABG) values indicate a pH of 7.48 (which is alkalotic), a PaCO2 of 38 (within the normal range of 35-45 mm Hg), and an HCO3- of 30 (which is elevated) These values indicate metabolic alkalosis, not metabolic acidosis.

Choice B rationale:

Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and an elevated bicarbonate level (>26 mEq/L) The given ABG values indicate a pH of 7.48 (which is alkalotic) and an elevated HCO3- of 30, indicating metabolic alkalosis. This condition can result from excessive loss of acids (e.g., vomiting) or excessive intake of bicarbonate or alkali substances.

Choice C rationale:

Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and a high PaCO2 (>45 mm Hg) The given ABG values indicate a normal pH of 7.48 and a PaCO2 of 38 (within the normal range), ruling out respiratory acidosis.

Choice D rationale:

Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and a low PaCO2 (<35 mm Hg) The given ABG values indicate a pH of 7.48 (which is alkalotic) and a PaCO2 of 38 (within the normal range), ruling out respiratory alkalosis.

A. Does not interact with acids. B. Promotes the excretion of acid. C. Activates the system of acid-base balance. D. Increases the action of the hydrogen ions.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The base does interact with acids in the acid-base balance. Bases, by definition, are substances that can accept hydrogen ions (protons) and neutralize acids. In the context of acid-base balance, bases help regulate the pH of body fluids by counteracting the effects of acids.

Choice B rationale:

The role of the base in the acid-base balance is to promote the excretion of acid. Bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) are a vital component of the body's buffering system, helping to neutralize excess acid. The kidneys play a crucial role in excreting acids from the body, maintaining the acid-base balance.

Choice C rationale:

The base does not activate the system of acid-base balance; instead, it is part of the body's natural buffering system. The acid-base balance is regulated by the lungs and kidneys, which work together to maintain the pH of body fluids within a narrow range (7.35-7.45)

Choice D rationale:

Bases do not increase the action of hydrogen ions. In fact, bases neutralize hydrogen ions, which are acidic. By accepting these ions, bases help to decrease the acidity of a solution, playing a key role in maintaining the body's acid-base balance.

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A female patient with chronic hypertension is admitted to the emergency department with a sudden rise in blood pressure (BP) Which question is the priority for the nurse to ask the patient?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient's arterial blood gas (ABG) values include a pH of 7.48, a PaCO2 of 38, and an HCO3- of 30. Around which acid-base imbalance would the nurse plan the patient's care?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Which role is attributed to the base in the acid-base balance?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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