A nurse is caring for a client who has respiratory failure due to ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch. The nurse should recognize that the client most likely has which of the following conditions?
Flail chest
Emphysema
Congestive heart failure
Guillain-Barré syndrome
None
None
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Flail chest is incorrect. Flail chest is a condition characterized by multiple rib fractures, causing instability in the chest wall. While it can lead to respiratory distress, it doesn't directly cause ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch. Instead, it impairs the mechanics of breathing by compromising chest wall integrity.
Choice B Reason:
Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) where the alveolar walls are destroyed, leading to a loss of surface area for gas exchange. This results in areas of the lungs that are well-perfused but poorly ventilated, causing a V/Q mismatch. The damage to alveoli leads to impaired ventilation, while blood flow may still be adequate, leading to hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood).
Choice C Reason:
CHF primarily affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, leading to pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange. However, it typically causes diffusion defects rather than a direct ventilation-perfusion mismatch. V/Q mismatch may occur secondary to pulmonary edema, but it’s not the primary mechanism of respiratory failure in CHF.
Choice D Reason:
Guillain-Barré syndrome is incorrect. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. While respiratory muscle weakness can occur in GBS, it doesn't directly cause ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch. GBS primarily affects nerve function rather than lung function.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Higher oxygen saturations of 98% to 99% is inappropriate. A pneumothorax involves the presence of air in the pleural space, which can compromise lung function and gas exchange. This compromised lung function typically leads to decreased oxygenation of the blood, resulting in lower oxygen saturations rather than higher saturations.
Choice B Reason:
Lower oxygen saturations of 93% to 94% is appropriate. A pneumothorax disrupts the normal exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs due to partial or complete lung collapse. As a result, the affected lung is unable to adequately oxygenate the blood, leading to lower oxygen saturations, which are indicative of hypoxemia.
Choice C Reason:
Lower energy expenditure is inappropriate. Energy expenditure is not typically affected by a pneumothorax. While the discomfort and respiratory distress associated with a pneumothorax may cause the individual to limit physical activity, there is no direct impact on overall energy expenditure.
Choice D Reason:
Increased lung capacity is inappropriate. A pneumothorax results in partial or complete collapse of the affected lung, reducing lung capacity rather than increasing it. The presence of air in the pleural space creates positive pressure, which can compress the lung and decrease its ability to expand fully during inhalation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Myelogram is not appropriate. This imaging test involves injecting contrast dye into the spinal canal to visualize the spinal cord and nerve roots. While it may help identify certain spinal cord abnormalities, it is not typically used as a primary diagnostic tool for multiple sclerosis.
Choice B Reason:
Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is not appropriate. This blood test measures the level of BNP, a hormone produced by the heart, which can be elevated in conditions such as heart failure. It is not used in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
Choice C Reason:
Troponin level is not appropriate. Troponin is a protein released into the bloodstream during a heart attack or other heart-related conditions. This test is used to diagnose heart muscle damage and is not relevant to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
Choice D Reason:
Lumbar puncture is appropriate. Also known as a spinal tap, a lumbar puncture involves collecting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the spinal canal for analysis. In the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, analysis of CSF can help identify certain abnormalities, such as an elevated level of immunoglobulin G (IgG) or the presence of oligoclonal bands, which are often indicative of inflammation in the central nervous system. Therefore, a lumbar puncture is commonly ordered to assist with the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
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