A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and whose respirations are shallow and 9/min. Which of the following acid-base imbalances should the nurse identify the client as being at risk for developing initially?

Metabolic acidosis

Respiratory alkalosis

Metabolic alkalosis

Respiratory acidosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Correct answer: D

A. Metabolic acidosis occurs due to either increased production of metabolic acids, such as lactic acid in anaerobic metabolism, or decreased excretion of acids, such as in renal failure.Shallow respirations would not directly cause metabolic acidosis. While they may decrease the elimination of CO2, resulting in respiratory acidosis, they do not directly affect metabolic acid-base balance.

B. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is excessive elimination of CO2 from the body, leading to decreased levels of carbonic acid (H2CO3) in the blood. Shallow respirations would not typically lead to excessive elimination of CO2; instead, they would likely result in CO2 retention, leading to respiratory acidosis rather than respiratory alkalosis.

C. Metabolic alkalosis occurs due to excessive loss of acids or increased levels of bicarbonate (HCO3-) in the blood, often caused by conditions such as vomiting, excessive diuretic use, or excessive bicarbonate intake.Shallow respirations would not directly cause metabolic alkalosis. Again, while they may decrease CO2 elimination and lead to respiratory acidosis, they do not directly affect metabolic acid-base balance.

D.Respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs cannot remove enough of the carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by the body. Shallow respirations lead to inadequate elimination of CO2, causing it to accumulate in the bloodstream. This accumulation of CO2 results in an increase in carbonic acid (H2CO3) in the blood, leading to a decrease in blood pH and resulting in respiratory acidosis.

Therefore, the nurse should identify the client as being at risk for developing respiratory acidosis initially due to the shallow respirations of 9/min.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Decreased urine specific gravity:In fluid volume deficit, urine becomes more concentrated due to decreased kidney perfusion and water conservation by the body. This results in an increased urine specific gravity.

B. Decreased Hgb:Fluid volume deficit typically leads to hemoconcentration because there is less plasma volume, which makes hemoglobin and hematocrit levels appear elevated.

C. Increased urine ketones:While increased urine ketones may occur in dehydration associated with starvation or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), it is not a hallmark finding in general fluid volume deficit. The presence of ketones depends on the underlying cause, not on fluid volume status alone.

D. Increased BUN:Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) increases in fluid volume deficit because of hemoconcentration and reduced kidney perfusion, which slows the excretion of urea. The ratio of BUN to creatinine is often elevated in dehydration (>20:1).

A. Hypertension B. Muscle weakness C. Hyperactive bowel sounds D. Cerebral edema

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Hypokalemia refers to low levels of potassium in the blood. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that plays a crucial role in nerve and muscle cell functioning. When potassium levels are low, it can lead to muscle weakness or even muscle cramps.

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is not commonly associated with hypokalemia. In fact, hypokalemia can sometimes cause low blood pressure (hypotension).

Hyperactive bowel sounds are more commonly associated with conditions such as diarrhea, gastroenteritis, or bowel obstruction. While diarrhea can contribute to electrolyte imbalances, it is not a specific manifestation of hypokalemia.

Cerebral edema refers to swelling in the brain and is not typically associated with hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is more likely to affect muscle and nerve function rather than cerebral edema.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and whose respirations are shallow and 9/min. Which of the following acid-base imbalances should the nurse identify the client as being at risk for developing initially?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client who has fluid volume deficit. The nurse should expect which of the following findings?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who has diarrhea. Which of the following findings is a manifestation of hypokalemia?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is admitting a client who has a serum calcium level of 12.3 mg/dL and initiates cardiac monitoring. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect during the initial assessment?

A nurse is organizing interprofessional team members to meet the needs of a client. Which of the following roles is the nurse taking?

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has fluid volume deficit. The nurse would expect which of the following findings?

A nurse is assessing a preschooler who has a calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse is assessing an older adult client who is receiving IV therapy. The nurse should recognize that which of the following findings indicates fluid volume excess? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is assessing an older adult client who is receiving IV therapy. The nurse should recognize that which of the following findings indicates fluid volume excess? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for potassium chloride (KCL) 20 mEq PO daily. The nurse reviews the client's most recent laboratory results and finds the client's potassium level is 5.2 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is caring for a client who has metabolic alkalosis. For which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse monitor? (Select all that apply.)