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
pH 7.31
Rationale:
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 C
Explanation
Respiratory acidosis.
Rationale:
- A. Incorrect. The client does not have respiratory alkalosis because respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a low PaCO2 (less than 35 mm Hg) and a high pH (greater than 7.45).
- B. Incorrect. The client does not have metabolic alkalosis because metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high HCO3 (greater than 26 mEq/L) and a high pH (greater than 7.45). - C. Correct. The client has respiratory acidosis because respiratory acidosis is characterized by a high PaCO2 (greater than 45 mm Hg) and a low pH (less than 7.35).
- D. Incorrect. The client does not have metabolic acidosis because metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low HCO3 (less than 22 mEq/L) and a low pH (less than 7.35).
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Instructing the client to maintain a full bladder is not relevant to an amniocentesis procedure. A full bladder may be necessary for certain other procedures, such as a pelvic ultrasound, but not for amniocentesis.
Choice B rationale:
Administering a tocolytic 30 minutes before the procedure is not a standard practice for amniocentesis. Tocolytics are medications used to suppress uterine contractions and are not routinely administered before this procedure.
Choice C rationale:
Monitoring the fetal heart rate throughout the procedure is essential during an amniocentesis. This helps assess the well-being of the fetus and ensures that the procedure is not causing fetal distress. Any changes in fetal heart rate can indicate potential complications and may require immediate intervention.
Choice D rationale:
Placing the client in Trendelenburg position during the procedure is not recommended for amniocentesis. Trendelenburg position, where the body is supine with the legs elevated higher than the head, is not routinely used during this procedure and may cause discomfort to the client without providing significant clinical benefits.
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