A nurse has been assigned to care for a client diagnosed with a small bowel obstruction. The client has a nasogastric tube attached to suction for 2 days. Which arterial blood gas result will the nurse expect to see for this client?

Metabolic alkalosis

Respiratory acidosis

Metabolic acidosis

Respiratory alkalosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   This condition occurs because the suctioning can lead to a significant loss of hydrochloric acid from the stomach. Since hydrochloric acid is one of the components that maintain the acid-base balance in the body, its loss can lead to an increase in blood pH, causing alkalosis
B.   Respiratory acidosis occurs due to retention of carbon dioxide (CO2), leading to an increase in PaCO2 and a decrease in pH. In the context of a small bowel obstruction with nasogastric tube suctioning, this is less likely unless there are concurrent respiratory issues.
C.   This condition occurs because the suctioning can lead to a significant loss of hydrochloric acid from the stomach. Since hydrochloric acid is one of the components that maintain the acid-base balance in the body, its loss can lead to an increase in blood pH, causing alkalosis. Acidosis is, therefore, unlikely.
D.   Respiratory alkalosis occurs due to hyperventilation, leading to a decrease in PaCO2 and an increase in pH. This is less likely in the context of nasogastric tube suctioning unless there are other contributing factors.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. It is particularly sensitive to deficiencies in clotting factors, but it does not measure the deficiencies themselves
B. The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) test measures the effectiveness of the intrinsic and common pathways of the coagulation cascade.
C. There is no need to skip breakfast or alter diet for an aPTT test. It is not affected by food intake or fasting status.

D. While aPTT is used to monitor heparin therapy, it is not typically used to monitor warfarin (a vitamin K antagonist) therapy. Warfarin therapy is usually monitored using the prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR) tests.

A. Elevated magnesium level B. Decreased calcium level C. Decreased potassium level D. Elevated sodium level

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Postoperative ileus and significant drainage via an NG tube are more likely to lead to electrolyte losses rather than elevated levels. Elevated magnesium levels are less common and typically associated with conditions such as renal failure or excessive magnesium intake.
B. Calcium levels can be affected by gastrointestinal losses, including drainage via an NG tube. Significant fluid loss can lead to hemoconcentration, potentially causing a relative increase in calcium levels initially. However, prolonged fluid loss can lead to overall depletion of electrolytes, including calcium.
C. When fluids are lost through the NG tube, potassium, which is an intracellular electrolyte, can be lost in large amounts. Prolonged drainage can lead to hypokalemia (decreased potassium levels), which can result in muscle weakness, cardiac dysrhythmias, and other serious complications.
D. Elevated sodium levels (hypernatremia) are more commonly associated with dehydration or excessive sodium intake rather than drainage via an NG tube. In this scenario, sodium levels are less likely to be affected compared to potassium.

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A nurse has been assigned to care for a client diagnosed with a small bowel obstruction. The client has a nasogastric tube attached to suction for 2 days. Which arterial blood gas result will the nurse expect to see for this client?

Nursing Test Bank

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A nurse is teaching a client scheduled for an activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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