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 A
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Metformin is an oral antidiabetic medication commonly used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. It can cause a rare but serious side effect called lactic acidosis, especially in situations where there is impaired kidney function or when the drug interacts with contrast dye used in procedures like cardiac catheterization.
B. Carvedilol is a beta-blocker used to manage hypertension and heart failure. It does not have a significant interaction with contrast dye that would increase the risk of AKI.
C. Atorvastatin is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels. It does not interact with contrast dye in a way that increases the risk of AKI.
D. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator used to relieve angina symptoms. It does not interact with contrast dye in a way that increases the risk of AKI.
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