A nurse in an emergency department is admitting a client who has overdosed on antacids and is in a state of metabolic alkalosis. For which of the following manifestations should the nurse monitor?
Diarrhea
Bradycardia
Tinnitus
Tetany
The Correct Answer is D
A) Diarrhea: Metabolic alkalosis is more likely to be associated with constipation rather than diarrhea. Diarrhea is typically a cause of metabolic acidosis due to the loss of bicarbonate in stool, rather than a result of metabolic alkalosis.
B) Bradycardia: Bradycardia is not a typical manifestation of metabolic alkalosis. Alkalosis can lead to arrhythmias, but it generally does not cause a slow heart rate. Instead, tachycardia might occur as the body compensates for the altered acid-base balance.
C) Tinnitus: Tinnitus is not a common symptom of metabolic alkalosis. It is more often associated with aspirin toxicity or other conditions affecting the auditory system, rather than changes in acid-base balance.
D) Tetany: Tetany is a common manifestation of metabolic alkalosis. The alkalosis causes a decrease in ionized calcium levels, which increases neuromuscular excitability and can lead to muscle cramps, spasms, and tetany. This is a key sign for nurses to monitor as it indicates significant electrolyte disturbances associated with the alkalotic state.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) "I will remain in the hospital until my treatment is completed.": Hospitalization is not typically required for the entire duration of tuberculosis (TB) treatment. Most patients with TB can continue their treatment at home with proper medication and infection control measures, unless they have severe disease or complications.
B) "I will wear a surgical mask around my family.": A surgical mask is not sufficient to protect others from TB. Patients with active TB should wear an N95 respirator mask to reduce the risk of spreading the infection, especially in situations where close contact is unavoidable.
C) "I will need medication to treat my condition for the rest of my life.": TB treatment generally involves a course of medication lasting 6 to 9 months. Long-term, lifelong medication is not required; however, adherence to the full course of prescribed antibiotics is crucial to ensure the infection is fully eradicated.
D) "I will need to provide a sputum specimen every 4 weeks until I test negative.": Monitoring sputum samples every 4 weeks is a standard practice to assess the effectiveness of TB treatment and confirm that the patient is no longer infectious. This statement indicates an understanding of the ongoing evaluation needed during treatment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Fever: Myxedema coma is characterized by hypothermia rather than fever. The client with myxedema coma may experience a lowered body temperature, reflecting the severe hypothyroidism associated with this condition.
B) Hypernatremia: Hypernatremia, or elevated sodium levels, is a common finding in myxedema coma. This occurs due to impaired renal function and decreased aldosterone levels, leading to an imbalance in electrolytes, including sodium.
C) Hypertension: Typically, myxedema coma presents with hypotension rather than hypertension. The condition is associated with decreased cardiac output and low blood pressure, not elevated blood pressure.
D) Hypoglycemia: In myxedema coma, hypoglycemia is not typically expected. Instead, patients may experience hypoglycemia due to reduced metabolic rate and decreased glycogen stores. However, hyperglycemia is more commonly observed in other endocrine disorders, not specifically in myxedema coma.
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