A nurse is assessing a client who has COPD. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Weight gain
Decrease in anteroposterior diameter of the chest
HCO3 24 mEq/L
pH 7.31
The Correct Answer is D
A. This is incorrect because weight gain is not expected in clients who have COPD, as they often have difficulty eating and digesting food due to dyspnea and fatigue.
B. This is incorrect because a decrease in anteroposterior diameter of the chest is not typical of COPD, as the condition causes hyperinflation and air trapping in the lungs, leading to an increase in chest size and a barrel-shaped appearance.
C. This is incorrect because HCO3 24 mEq/L is within the normal range for blood bicarbonate levels, which are 22 to 26 mEq/L. Clients who have COPD often have chronic respiratory acidosis, which stimulates the kidneys to retain bicarbonate and increase its levels in the blood to compensate for the low pH.
D. This is correct because pH 7.31 indicates acidosis, which is common in clients who have COPD due to impaired gas exchange and accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason
Ensuring that the client's family supports the provider's decision for surgery is not an appropriate action. While family support is essential in the decision-making process, the primary responsibility lies with the client's health care surrogate or designated decision-maker. The family's support is not a substitute for obtaining informed consent from the designated decision-maker.
Choice B reason
Sending the unsigned informed consent form to the facility's risk manager is not appropriate action. The nurse should not send an unsigned informed consent form to the facility's risk manager. Unsigned consent forms do not have any legal significance or validity. The nurse should work with the health care surrogate to ensure that the consent form is appropriately completed and signed.
Choice C reason
Determining if the procedure is medically necessary for the client is not appropriate action. While the medical necessity of the procedure is important, the decision about the procedure's necessity should be made by the medical team and discussed with the health care surrogate. The nurse's role is to facilitate communication and ensure that the surrogate is informed and involved in the decision-making process.
Choice D reason
When a client is in a coma and unable to provide informed consent, the health care surrogate or designated decision-maker becomes responsible for making medical decisions on behalf of the client. It is essential for the nurse to ensure that the health care surrogate is aware of the situation, understands the risks and benefits of the surgical procedure, and has provided informed consent on behalf of the client.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Pain with movement of the left great toe is incorrect finding: Pain may be expected in a client with a fractured left tibia, especially if the great toe is moved. Pain is more related to the fracture and may not specifically indicate altered tissue perfusion.
Choice B reason:
Faint pedal pulse of the left leg is correct because it indicates that the blood flow to the foot is diminished. The pedal pulse is the pulse felt on the top of the foot, and its faintness could suggest reduced arterial blood flow to the foot.
Choice C reason:
Warm skin temperature distal to the pin site is incorrect: Warm skin distal to the pin site may indicate adequate blood flow and could be a normal finding. Warmth is generally associated with increased blood flow to the area.
Choice D reason:
Purulent drainage at the pin site is incorrect. Purulent drainage at the pin site could indicate an infection, but it is not directly related to altered tissue perfusion. Infection can lead to complications, but it does not necessarily indicate reduced blood flow to the extremity
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