A nurse is caring for a client who has COPD. The nurse should identify that the client is at risk for which of the following acid-base imbalances?
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Metabolic alkalosis is a condition in which the blood pH is elevated due to an excess of bicarbonate or a loss of acid. It can be caused by vomiting, diuretics, or excessive antacid intake. It is not associated with COPD.
Choice B reason: Respiratory acidosis is a condition in which the blood pH is lowered due to an accumulation of carbon dioxide. It can be caused by hypoventilation, airway obstruction, or lung diseases such as COPD. It is the most common acid-base imbalance in COPD patients.
Choice C reason: Respiratory alkalosis is a condition in which the blood pH is elevated due to a loss of carbon dioxide. It can be caused by hyperventilation, anxiety, fever, or aspirin overdose. It is not common in COPD patients.
Choice D reason: Metabolic acidosis is a condition in which the blood pH is lowered due to an excess of acid or a loss of bicarbonate. It can be caused by diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure, or lactic acidosis. It is not directly related to COPD.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Planning to administer insulin to the client is not a relevant action for the nurse to take, as it has no effect on respiratory alkalosis or hyperventilation. Insulin is used to lower blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes or hyperglycemia.
Choice B reason: Having the client breathe into a paper bag is a correct action for the nurse to take, as it helps to increase the carbon dioxide level in the blood and correct the alkalosis. Breathing into a paper bag creates a closed system that recycles the exhaled carbon dioxide and reduces the loss of carbon dioxide from the lungs.
Choice C reason: Planning to administer sodium bicarbonate to the client is not a correct action for the nurse to take, as it can worsen the alkalosis. Sodium bicarbonate is an alkali that can raise the pH of the blood and cause metabolic alkalosis. It is used to treat metabolic acidosis, not respiratory alkalosis.
Choice D reason: Having the client place their head between their knees is not a recommended action for the nurse to take, as it can impair the blood flow to the brain and cause fainting. It can also increase the respiratory rate and decrease the carbon dioxide level in the blood.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Metabolic alkalosis is a condition in which the blood pH is elevated due to an excess of bicarbonate or a loss of acid. It can be caused by nausea and vomiting, as they result in the loss of gastric acid and the retention of bicarbonate.
Choice B reason: Respiratory acidosis is a condition in which the blood pH is lowered due to an accumulation of carbon dioxide. It can be caused by hypoventilation, airway obstruction, or lung diseases. It is not related to nausea and vomiting.
Choice C reason: Metabolic acidosis is a condition in which the blood pH is lowered due to an excess of acid or a loss of bicarbonate. It can be caused by diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure, or lactic acidosis. It is not caused by nausea and vomiting.
Choice D reason: Respiratory alkalosis is a condition in which the blood pH is elevated due to a loss
carbon dioxide. It can be caused by hyperventilation, anxiety, fever, or aspirin overdose. It is not common in clients who have nausea and vomiting.
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