A nurse evaluates a client's arterial blood gas values (ABGs): pH 7.1, PaCO2 70 mm Hg, and HCO3 22 mEq/L. Which intervention does the nurse implement first?

Assess the airway.

Administer prescribed bronchodilators.

Administer prescribed mucolytics.

Provide oxygen.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   Assessing the airway is always a priority in any client care situation, especially when there are respiratory abnormalities such as respiratory acidosis. Ensuring a patent airway is crucial to maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
B.   Bronchodilators are typically used to treat conditions such as bronchoconstriction in asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, in the context of respiratory acidosis with an elevated PaCO2, the primary issue is not bronchoconstriction but rather impaired gas exchange due to inadequate ventilation.
C.   Mucolytics are medications used to thin mucus and facilitate its removal from the respiratory tract. While they can be beneficial in conditions with thick secretions, they do not address the underlying cause of respiratory acidosis, which is inadequate CO2 elimination.
D.   Providing oxygen can help improve oxygenation in clients with respiratory acidosis. However, it is important to note that oxygen alone will not correct the underlying cause of respiratory acidosis (elevated PaCO2). Oxygen therapy is supportive and helps to improve oxygen delivery to tissues while other interventions are addressed.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L is below the normal range (typically 3.5-5.0 mEq/L). Abnormal potassium levels can affect cardiac function, leading to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), especially if the potassium level drops further or if there is rapid fluctuation. This is a critical finding that requires immediate attention from the surgical team to assess the client's cardiac status and determine if potassium replacement is needed before proceeding with surgery.
B. Creatinine levels are used to assess kidney function. A creatinine level of 1.2 mg/dL is within the normal range (typically 0.6-1.2 mg/dL). While kidney function is important to evaluate before surgery, this result is not immediately concerning enough to require an urgent call to the surgical team.
C. Hemoglobin levels are assessed to evaluate oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. A hemoglobin level of 14.8 g/dL is within the normal range (typically 12-16 g/dL for women and 13-18 g/dL for men). This result indicates adequate oxygen-carrying capacity and does not require immediate communication with the surgical team.

D. Sodium levels are important for fluid balance and nerve function. A sodium level of 134 mEq/L is within the normal range (typically 135-145 mEq/L). While sodium levels should be monitored, this result is not critically abnormal and does not necessitate an urgent call to the surgical team.

A. "I will be drinking a lot of fluid after the test is over." B. "I will be anesthetized so that I lie perfectly still during the procedure." C. "I will make sure I let them know I do not have a shellfish ally." D. "will follow the food and drink restrictions as directed before the test is scheduled."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. This statement suggests that the client may not understand the purpose or procedure of the CT scan. CT scans typically do not require the client to drink excessive fluids afterward. However, hydration might be encouraged if contrast dye was used to help eliminate it from the body. Education is needed to clarify post-procedure instructions.
B. This statement indicates a misconception about the procedure. CT scans do not usually require anesthesia unless it's a complex situation, such as a young child or someone with severe claustrophobia. It's essential to educate the client about what to expect during the CT scan to reduce anxiety and ensure cooperation during the procedure.
C. This statement shows awareness of potential allergies to contrast dye, which often contains iodine. It indicates that the client understands the importance of disclosing allergies to the healthcare team before the procedure. While this is generally a positive sign of awareness, further education may still be needed to ensure complete understanding of allergy management.
D. This statement demonstrates understanding of pre-procedure instructions, which often include fasting or specific dietary restrictions. It suggests that the client understands the importance of these restrictions to ensure accurate test results and safety during the CT scan.

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A nurse evaluates a client's arterial blood gas values (ABGs): pH 7.1, PaCO2 70 mm Hg, and HCO3 22 mEq/L. Which intervention does the nurse implement first?

Nursing Test Bank

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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