A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who has sustained a head injury. The nurse notes the client's IV ﬂuids are infusing at 125 mL/hr. Which of the following is an appropriate action by the nurse?

Slow the rate to 50 mL/hr.

Increase the rate to 250 mL/hr.

Slow the rate to 20 mL/hr.

Continue the rate at 125 mL/hr.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A Reason: This choice is incorrect because slowing the rate to 50 mL/hr may not be enough to prevent cerebral edema, which is a common complication of head injury. Cerebral edema is a swelling of the brain tissue due to increased ﬂuid accumulation. It can cause increased intracranial pressure (ICP), which can lead to brain damage or death. Therefore, the nurse should limit the ﬂuid intake of the client with head injury to avoid worsening the condition.

Choice B Reason: This choice is incorrect because increasing the rate to 250 mL/hr may cause ﬂuid overload, which can also increase the ICP and worsen the cerebral edema. Fluid overload is a condition in which the body has too much ﬂuid, which can impair the function of the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Therefore, the nurse should avoid giving too much ﬂuid to the client with head injury.

Choice C Reason: This choice is correct because slowing the rate to 20 mL/hr may help to maintain adequate hydration and electrolyte balance, while preventing ﬂuid overload and cerebral edema. This is a conservative approach that can be used until the client's neurological status and ICP are assessed and monitored.

Choice D Reason: This choice is incorrect because continuing the rate at 125 mL/hr may not be appropriate for the client with head injury, depending on their individual needs and condition. The nurse should adjust the ﬂuid rate according to the client's vital signs, urine output, serum osmolality, and ICP. Therefore, the nurse should not assume that this rate is optimal for the client without further evaluation.

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Correct Answer is ["167 "]

Explanation

To calculate the dose of enoxaparin, follow these steps:

1) Convert the client's weight from pounds to kilograms:

245 lbs / 2.2046 (kg/lb) = 111.13 kg (rounded to the nearest whole number, it's 111 kg).

2) Multiply the weight in kilograms by the prescribed dose per kilogram:

111 kg x 1.5 mg/kg = 166.5 mg.

Round the answer to the nearest whole number, so the nurse should administer 167 mg per dose of enoxaparin every 12 hours to the client with a pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Symptoms, Signs & Treatment

A. PaCO2: 50 mm Hg B. HCO3: 30 mEq/L C. pH: 7.45 D. Potassium: 3 mEq/L

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This choice is correct because respiratory acidosis is a condition in which the lungs cannot eliminate enough carbon dioxide (CO2) from the blood, resulting in a high level of CO2 (PaCO2) and a low level of pH. A normal PaCO2 range is 35 to 45 mm Hg, so a value of 50 mm Hg indicates respiratory acidosis.

Choice B Reason: This choice is incorrect because HCO3 (bicarbonate) is a base that helps to buﬀer the excess acid in the blood. In respiratory acidosis, the kidneys try to compensate by retaining more HCO3 and excreting more hydrogen ions. Therefore, a high level of HCO3 (above 26 mEq/L) would indicate a chronic or compensated respiratory acidosis, not an acute or uncompensated one.

Choice C Reason: This choice is incorrect because pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the blood. A normal pH range is 7.35 to 7.45, so a value of 7.45 indicates a neutral or slightly alkaline blood, not an acidic one. A low pH (below 7.35) would indicate respiratory acidosis.

Choice D Reason: This choice is incorrect because potassium is an electrolyte that helps to regulate the nerve and muscle function, as well as the ﬂuid balance in the body. In respiratory acidosis, the increased hydrogen ions in the blood may shift into the cells in exchange for potassium, resulting in a high level of potassium (hyperkalemia).

Therefore, a low level of potassium (below 3.5 mEq/L) would indicate hypokalemia, not respiratory acidosis.

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A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who has sustained a head injury. The nurse notes the client's IV ﬂuids are infusing at 125 mL/hr. Which of the following is an appropriate action by the nurse?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is ["167 "]

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who has respiratory acidosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Here is the edited text: A nurse is caring for a client who has a traumatic brain injury. The nurse notes that the client has a widening pulse pressure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?