A nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department (ED) who has high anxiety and shallow respirations at a rate of 30/min. Which of the following acid-base disturbances is the client most likely experiencing?
Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Nasal saline irrigation alone: While nasal saline irrigation can help to clear out mucus and congestion, it is often not sufficient to treat bacterial sinusitis.
B. Oral decongestants alone: Decongestants may provide temporary relief of symptoms but are not effective against bacterial infections.
C. Oral antibiotics: Antibiotics are the most appropriate treatment for acute bacterial sinusitis, as they can target the underlying infection.
D. Intranasal corticosteroids alone: Corticosteroids can be helpful for managing allergic rhinitis but are not effective against bacterial infections.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Osmoreceptors in the pituitary gland regulate the secretion of cortisol in response to changes in plasma osmolality: This is incorrect as the pituitary gland itself does not have osmoreceptors; rather, the hypothalamus contains osmoreceptors.
B. Osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus detect high plasma osmolality and stimulate the release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which enhances water reabsorption in the kidneys: This is correct. Osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus sense changes in plasma osmolality and regulate ADH release to maintain water balance.
C. Osmoreceptors in the kidneys monitor blood pressure changes and regulate aldosterone secretion to control sodium reabsorption and water balance: This is not correct because the kidneys primarily use juxtaglomerular cells to sense blood pressure changes and regulate aldosterone, not osmoreceptors.
D. Osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus detect low plasma osmolality and inhibit the release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), leading to increased urine production: This is partially correct; osmoreceptors do detect low osmolality, but their inhibition of ADH would decrease urine production, not increase it.
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