A nurse is admitting a client who has gastroenteritis and is reporting numbness and tingling of the toes and fingers. The nurse should recognize the client is experiencing which of the following acid-base imbalances?
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis
The Correct Answer is C
A. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in bicarbonate or an increase in acids, which can be caused by conditions like kidney failure or diabetic ketoacidosis, but it is not typically associated with numbness and tingling.
B. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and a decreased PaCO2 (<35 mm Hg). It typically results from hyperventilation, which leads to excessive elimination of CO2 and subsequent alkalosis. This condition is less likely to occur in gastroenteritis unless there are other complicating factors such as anxiety or pain causing increased respiratory rate.
C. In the context of gastroenteritis, where there may be a loss of stomach acids through vomiting or diarrhea, the most likely acid-base imbalance would be metabolic alkalosis.
D. Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH and an elevated PaCO2 (>45 mm Hg). It results from hypoventilation, leading to retention of CO2 and subsequent acidosis. Respiratory acidosis would not typically present with numbness and tingling in the extremities in the context of gastroenteritis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. A back massage (A) can be soothing and may help with circulation, but it's not typically a priority immediately postoperative.
B. Teaching relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, or progressive muscle relaxation can help the client manage pain, reduce anxiety, and promote faster recovery. These techniques empower the client to actively participate in their comfort and recovery process.
C. Postoperative clients are at risk of developing respiratory complications such as atelectasis (partial lung collapse) due to shallow breathing. Coughing and deep breathing exercises help to expand lung volume, clear secretions, and prevent respiratory complications. It's important to encourage and assist the client in performing these exercises regularly.
D. Encouraging the client to turn every 4 hours helps prevent pressure ulcers and promotes good circulation, but turning might be more frequent depending on the surgery and the client's condition.
E. Pain management is crucial for postoperative comfort and recovery. Administering analgesics as needed helps to control pain effectively, which is essential for the client to participate in activities such as deep breathing, coughing, and moving, thereby reducing the risk of complications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Troponin is a protein found in cardiac muscle cells. When there is damage to the heart muscle, such as during a myocardial infarction (heart attack), troponin is released into the bloodstream. Therefore, elevated troponin levels in the blood indicate myocardial injury or damage.
B. Troponin is not an enzyme; it is a protein. While there are enzymes such as creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) that can indicate damage to various tissues including heart and skeletal muscles, troponin specifically indicates cardiac muscle damage.
C. Troponin is not involved in oxygen transport. Hemoglobin, found in red blood cells, is the protein responsible for oxygen transport in the body.
D. Troponin is not a lipid; it is a protein. Lipids include substances like cholesterol and triglycerides. Troponin levels do not reflect the risk for coronary artery disease; rather, they indicate acute damage to the heart muscle.
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