A nurse is caring for a client who has respiratory acidosis. Which of the following pH levels should the nurse expect?
pH 7.48
pH 7.50
pH 7.31
pH 7.39
The Correct Answer is C
A. pH 7.48:
A pH of 7.48 indicates alkalosis, not acidosis. Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a pH below the normal range (7.35-7.45).
B. pH 7.50:
Similar to choice A, a pH of 7.50 indicates alkalosis, not acidosis.
C. pH 7.31:
This pH value falls below the normal range (7.35-7.45), indicating acidemia. In respiratory acidosis, there is an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) in the blood, leading to an accumulation of carbonic acid and a decrease in pH.
D. pH 7.39:
A pH of 7.39 falls within the normal range (7.35-7.45), indicating a normal acid-base balance. It does not indicate acidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Ferrous sulfate: Ferrous sulfate is an iron supplement used to treat or prevent low blood levels of iron (such as those caused by anemia or pregnancy). It is not used to treat high INR levels.
B. Heparin: Heparin is an anticoagulant, or blood thinner, that prevents the formation of blood clots. It would not be used to treat a high INR level, as it could potentially increase the INR even further.
C. Prednisone: Prednisone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the body. It is not used to treat high INR levels.
D. Vitamin K: This is correct. Vitamin K is used to help blood clot and is given to patients who have a high INR level to reduce the risk of bleeding. Warfarin works by blocking the effects of vitamin K, so giving vitamin K can help reverse the effects of warfarin and lower the INR.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
(A) Place the client in high-Fowler’s position and encourage the use of incentive spirometer and coughing: This is the most appropriate action. The high-Fowler’s position can help improve lung expansion and gas exchange, while the use of an incentive spirometer and coughing can help clear secretions and improve ventilation. This is particularly important for a client who is postoperative following an open thoracotomy.
(B) Switch oxygen to a nonrebreather mask: Switching to a nonrebreather mask may deliver a higher concentration of oxygen, but it does not address the underlying issue of impaired gas exchange due to decreased lung expansion and retained secretions.
(C) Position the client prone and have the respiratory therapist perform postural drainage: While postural drainage can help clear secretions, it may not be comfortable or safe for a client who is 1 day postoperative following an open thoracotomy.
(D) Increase oxygen to 70%: Increasing the oxygen concentration may improve the client’s oxygen saturation, but it does not address the underlying issue of impaired gas exchange due to decreased lung expansion and retained secretions. Furthermore, excessively high concentrations of oxygen can have harmful effects, such as oxygen toxicity or suppression of the respiratory drive in some clients.
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