A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is short of breath. When reviewing the client's arterial blood gases (ABGs), which of the following conditions should the nurse anticipate the client to be experiencing?
Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
The Correct Answer is A
A. Respiratory acidosis: COPD often results in impaired gas exchange and decreased removal of carbon dioxide, leading to its accumulation in the blood. This results in respiratory acidosis, characterized by elevated PaCO2 and a decreased pH.
B. Respiratory alkalosis: This condition is generally associated with hyperventilation, where excessive loss of carbon dioxide leads to a higher blood pH. It is less common in COPD, where hypoventilation is more typical.
C. Metabolic acidosis: While COPD can sometimes lead to metabolic acidosis, it is not the primary condition associated with the disease. Metabolic acidosis usually results from conditions affecting the kidneys or metabolic processes.
D. Metabolic alkalosis: This is characterized by an increased blood pH due to a loss of acid or an excess of bicarbonate. It is not typically associated with COPD.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Hyperventilation: Respiratory alkalosis is typically caused by hyperventilation, which leads to excessive loss of carbon dioxide and an increase in blood pH. This is a primary finding in respiratory alkalosis.
B. Abdominal pain: While abdominal pain can occur in various conditions, it is not a specific or common finding associated with respiratory alkalosis.
C. Dry skin: Dry skin is not a direct manifestation of respiratory alkalosis. It is not typically associated with the changes in acid-base balance seen in respiratory alkalosis.
D. Diarrhea: Diarrhea is not commonly associated with respiratory alkalosis. Instead, gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea are more commonly related to metabolic acidosis or other conditions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Bronchospasm occurs when there is inflammation, edema, and excess mucus: Bronchospasm in asthma is characterized by inflammation of the airways, edema of the airway walls, and increased mucus production, leading to constriction and obstruction of the airways.
B. Decreased mucus production contributes to airway constriction: In asthma, bronchospasm is associated with increased mucus production, not decreased. Excess mucus contributes to airway obstruction.
C. Inflammation is reduced due to airway diameter: Inflammation typically increases airway constriction rather than reducing it. The narrowed airway diameter is a result of inflammation, not a reduction in inflammation.
D. Airway obstruction occurs due to thinning mucus: Airway obstruction in asthma is due to thick, tenacious mucus, not thinning mucus. The mucus contributes to the blockage of the airways.
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