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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Respiratory acidosis occurs due to hypoventilation, resulting in carbon dioxide retention. This condition is characterized by slow, shallow breathing and confusion, which is not consistent with the client's rapid respiratory rate of 30/min.
B. Respiratory alkalosis is typically caused by hyperventilation, where excessive breathing leads to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels. The client's symptoms of high anxiety and rapid, shallow respirations are indicative of hyperventilation, making respiratory alkalosis the most likely diagnosis.
C. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by deep, rapid breathing (Kussmaul respirations) as the body attempts to expel excess acid. The client's shallow respirations are inconsistent with the breathing pattern seen in metabolic acidosis.
D. Metabolic alkalosis usually presents with symptoms such as dizziness and tingling, often with compensatory slow respirations. The rapid respiratory rate in this case does not suggest metabolic alkalosis, making this option unlikely.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. BNP does not promote the synthesis of angiotensin II; instead, it counteracts the effects of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) by reducing fluid retention and blood pressure, which is the opposite of what angiotensin II does.
B. BNP does not increase heart rate or cardiac contractility. Its role is primarily in reducing cardiac workload by lowering blood pressure and decreasing fluid volume.
C. BNP does not increase blood pressure; rather, it acts to decrease it by causing vasodilation and inhibiting the effects of aldosterone, which would otherwise increase blood pressure by promoting sodium and water retention.
D. BNP decreases blood pressure by causing vasodilation and promoting the excretion of sodium and water, which reduces blood volume and, consequently, lowers the blood pressure. This is its primary role in cardiovascular regulation, especially in response to heart failure.
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