A nurse is assessing a client who has respiratory alkalosis.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Dry skin
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Hyperventilation
Hyperventilation
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Dry skin is not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood aren’t balanced, often due to hyperventilation. Dry skin is not listed as a common symptom of this condition.
Choice B rationale:
Diarrhea is not a common symptom of respiratory alkalosis. The condition is characterized by symptoms such as dizziness, numbness, confusion, and shortness of breath. Diarrhea is more commonly associated with gastrointestinal issues rather than respiratory conditions.
Choice C rationale:
Abdominal pain is not a typical symptom of respiratory alkalosis. The condition is usually caused by over-breathing
(hyperventilation) that occurs when you breathe very deeply or rapidly. Abdominal pain is not listed as a common symptom of this condition.
Choice D rationale:
Hyperventilation is typically the underlying cause of respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation, also known as overbreathing, occurs when someone breathes very deeply or rapidly. This can cause the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood to drop too low, leading to respiratory alkalosis. Therefore, a nurse assessing a client who has respiratory alkalosis should expect to find signs of hyperventilation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Muscle twitching is a symptom of oxygen toxicity. Oxygen toxicity is a condition resulting from the harmful effects of breathing molecular oxygen (O2) at increased partial pressures. Severe cases can result in cell damage and death, with effects most often seen in the central nervous system, lungs, and eyes. Central nervous system symptoms can include muscle twitching.
Choice B rationale:
Redness of the face is not typically associated with oxygen toxicity. Oxygen toxicity primarily affects the central nervous system, lungs, and eyes. It does not typically cause redness of the face.
Choice C rationale:
Swelling around the eyes is not a common symptom of oxygen toxicity. The primary effects of oxygen toxicity are seen in the central nervous system, lungs, and eyes. However, this does not typically manifest as swelling around the eyes.
Choice D rationale:
A metallic taste in the mouth is not a known symptom of oxygen toxicity. Oxygen toxicity is a condition that results from the harmful effects of breathing molecular oxygen (O2) at increased partial pressures. It primarily affects the central nervous system, lungs, and eyes, but a metallic taste in the mouth is not a recognized symptom.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The statement “I do my wheelchair exercises sitting in my chair” is correct. Wheelchair exercises are designed to be performed while seated in a wheelchair. They help to maintain muscle strength and flexibility, which is crucial for individuals with paralysis.
Choice B rationale:
The statement “I use a suppository every night to have a bowel movement” is also correct. Individuals with paralysis often have difficulty with bowel movements due to lack of muscle control. Using a suppository can stimulate the rectum and induce a bowel movement. Choice C rationale:
The statement “I need to catheterize myself twice a day” indicates a need for further teaching. Individuals with paralysis from the waist down following a spinal cord injury typically need to perform intermittent self-catheterization every 4-6 hours, not just twice a day. This helps to prevent urinary tract infections and bladder overdistension.
Choice D rationale:
The statement “I carry a water bottle with me because I drink a lot of water” is correct. Drinking plenty of water is important for overall health and can help to prevent urinary tract infections, which are common in individuals who self-catheterize.
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