A nurse is caring for a client who has metabolic alkalosis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Place the client on continuous cardiac monitoring.
Obtain a prescription for insulin for the client.
Plan to administer sodium bicarbonate to the client.
Have the client breathe into a paper bag.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is: A. Place the client on continuous cardiac monitoring.
Choice A reason:
Placing the client on continuous cardiac monitoring is crucial because metabolic alkalosis can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias due to electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia. Continuous monitoring allows for the early detection and management of these arrhythmias, ensuring patient safety.
Choice B reason:
Obtaining a prescription for insulin is not relevant for treating metabolic alkalosis. Insulin is typically used for managing hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis, not for correcting alkalosis.
Choice C reason:
Planning to administer sodium bicarbonate is incorrect because sodium bicarbonate is used to treat metabolic acidosis, not alkalosis. Administering it in this context could worsen the alkalosis.
Choice D reason:
Having the client breathe into a paper bag is a technique used for respiratory alkalosis to increase CO2 levels. It is not appropriate for metabolic alkalosis, which requires different management strategies.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Muscle twitching is a sign of central nervous system oxygen toxicity, which can occur when breathing high concentrations of oxygen under pressure. It can also cause seizures, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Choice B reason: Facial flushing is not a symptom of oxygen toxicity. It can be caused by other conditions such as fever, allergic reactions, or alcohol consumption.
Choice C reason: Periorbital edema is not a symptom of oxygen toxicity. It can be caused by other conditions such as kidney disease, heart failure, or allergies.
Choice D reason: Metallic taste in mouth is not a symptom of oxygen toxicity. It can be caused by other conditions such as medication side effects, dental problems, or infections.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Crackles auscultated over the client's lung fields are not a sign of pleural effusion. Crackles are abnormal breath sounds that indicate fluid or secretions in the alveoli. They can be heard in conditions such as pneumonia, heart failure, or pulmonary edema.
Choice B reason: Crepitus palpated on the client's chest is not a sign of pleural effusion. Crepitus is a crackling sensation that occurs when air leaks into the subcutaneous tissue. It can be felt in conditions such as pneumothorax, chest trauma, or chest surgery.
Choice C reason: Substernal retractions noted on the client's chest are not a sign of pleural effusion. Substernal retractions are inward movements of the chest wall below the sternum that indicate increased respiratory effort. They can be seen in conditions such as asthma, bronchiolitis, or croup.
Choice D reason: Dullness percussed over the client's lung fields is a sign of pleural effusion. Dullness is a flat sound that indicates the presence of a solid or liquid mass in the thoracic cavity. It can be detected in conditions such as pleural effusion, atelectasis, or consolidation.
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