A nurse is caring for a patient with metabolic alkalosis.
What actions should the nurse take?
Place the patient on continuous cardiac monitoring.
Obtain a prescription for insulin for the patient.
Plan to administer sodium bicarbonate to the patient.
Have the patient breathe into a paper bag.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis is an acid-base imbalance characterized by excessive loss of acid or excessive gain of bicarbonate produced by an underlying pathologic disorder. It causes metabolic, respiratory, and renal responses, producing characteristic symptoms. One of the manifestations of metabolic alkalosis is cardiovascular abnormalities, such as atrial tachycardia. Therefore, placing the patient on continuous cardiac monitoring is a necessary action to assess the patient’s heart rate and rhythm and detect any abnormalities early.
Choice B rationale:
Insulin is not typically used in the treatment of metabolic alkalosis. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. It’s not directly related to the body’s acid-base balance. Therefore, obtaining a prescription for insulin for the patient would not be a relevant action in this case.
Choice C rationale:
Administering sodium bicarbonate to a patient with metabolic alkalosis would not be appropriate. Sodium bicarbonate is a base and is often used to treat metabolic acidosis, a condition characterized by an excess of acid in the body. Giving sodium bicarbonate to a patient with metabolic alkalosis, a condition characterized by an excess of base in the body, could potentially worsen the patient’s condition.
Choice D rationale:
Having the patient breathe into a paper bag is a common treatment for respiratory alkalosis, not metabolic alkalosis.
Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, which leads to a decrease in carbon dioxide in the blood. Breathing into a paper bag helps to increase the amount of carbon dioxide the person inhales, helping to restore the acid-base balance. However, metabolic alkalosis is not caused by hyperventilation, so this treatment
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables. Just 1 cup (190 grams) of frozen spinach packs 12% of the DV for potassium. It’s also loaded with other nutrients. The same serving of frozen spinach contains 127% of the DV for vitamin A, 857% for vitamin K, 58% for folate, and 37% for magnesium.
Choice B rationale:
Potatoes are a staple food and are high in potassium. They are a versatile and filling food that can be included in a variety of dishes. Potatoes are also a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber.
Choice C rationale:
Bananas are known as potassium-rich foods. A medium banana contains around 9% of the DV for this mineral. Most people consider it the go-to food to increase their potassium intake. However, bananas are not the only good source of potassium.
Choice D rationale:
Apples are a healthy choice and provide some potassium, but they are not as high in potassium as the other choices. Therefore, while apples are a good part of a balanced diet, they would not be the first recommendation for someone needing to increase their potassium intake.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is: B. Decreased deep tendon reflexes.
Choice A rationale: Wheezing is not typically associated with hyperkalemia. It is more commonly related to respiratory conditions.
Choice B rationale: Hyperkalemia can cause decreased deep tendon reflexes due to the effect of high potassium levels on nerve conduction and muscle function.
Choice C rationale: Hypoactive bowel sounds are not a common sign of hyperkalemia. They are more often associated with gastrointestinal issues.
Choice D rationale: Cerebral edema is not related to hyperkalemia. It is usually associated with conditions affecting the brain, such as trauma or infections.
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