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","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A: Iron supplements are used to treat iron-deficiency anemia, but they can also reduce the motility of the gastrointestinal tract and make the stools harder and drier¹². This can lead to difficulty in passing stools and increased straining.
Choice B: Magnesium-containing antacids are used to treat heartburn and acid reflux, but they can also have a laxative effect and cause diarrhea¹³. This is because magnesium draws water into the intestines and stimulates bowel movements.
Choice C: Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, but they can also disrupt the normal flora of the gut and cause diarrhea¹⁴. This is because antibiotics can kill the beneficial bacteria that help digest food and prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria that cause inflammation and infection.
Choice D: Anticholinergics/antispasmodics are used to treat overactive bladder, irritable bowel syndrome, and other conditions that involve muscle spasms in the gut, but they can also slow down the movement of the intestines and relax the muscles that help push the stools out¹ . This can lead to reduced frequency and difficulty in defecation.
Choice E: Opioid narcotics are used to treat moderate to severe pain, but they can also block the signals from the brain to the gut and inhibit the contraction of the intestinal muscles¹ . This can lead to decreased bowel activity and accumulation of hard and dry stools.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: The pulse oximeter might not be accurate during times of excessive movement is a correct statement, as movement can interfere with the detection of the pulse and the oxygen saturation. The parents should try to keep the infant still and calm while using the pulse oximeter.
Choice B reason: We will notify the doctor if the pulse oximeter consistently reads 100% is an incorrect statement, as it indicates a misunderstanding of the normal range of oxygen saturation. The parents should not be alarmed if the pulse oximeter reads 100%, as it means that the infant's blood is fully saturated with oxygen. The normal range of oxygen saturation for infants is 95% to 100%.
Choice C reason: The probe of the pulse oximeter can be applied to a finger or a toe is a correct statement, as these are suitable sites for measuring the oxygen saturation in infants. The parents should make sure that the probe fits snugly and securely on the infant's finger or toe.
Choice D reason: We will rotate the probe of the pulse oximeter every 24 hours is a correct statement, as it helps to prevent skin irritation, pressure ulcers, or infection from prolonged contact with the probe. The parents should also check the infant's skin regularly for any signs of redness, swelling, or pain.
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