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 C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C.
Choice A rationale:
The nurse applies the sterile drape after cleaning the perineal area. This is correct because the perineal area should be cleaned before applying the sterile drape. Applying the drape first could potentially introduce bacteria to the catheter during insertion, increasing the risk of a urinary tract infection.
Choice B rationale:
The nurse lubricates the indwelling urinary catheter. This is a correct procedure as it helps to minimize discomfort and trauma during catheter insertion.
Choice C rationale:
The nurse separates the patient’s labia with her dominant hand. This is also a correct procedure. The nurse should use her non-dominant hand to separate the labia and expose the urethral meatus, and then use her dominant hand to insert the catheter.
Choice D rationale:
The nurse provides perineal care prior to inserting the urinary catheter. This is a correct procedure. Providing perineal care before inserting a urinary catheter is important to reduce the risk of introducing bacteria into the urinary tract. It’s part of maintaining strict aseptic technique during insertion.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Iron supplements Iron supplements are commonly used to treat or prevent iron deficiency anemia. While beneficial in relieving iron deficiency, iron pills can cause side effects like constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dark stools, stomach cramps, and a metallic taste. However, constipation is not the primary side effect of iron supplements.
Choice B rationale:
Magnesium-containing antacids Magnesium-containing antacids are used to relieve the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn, or indigestion. By neutralizing stomach acid, antacids relieve symptoms such as burning behind the breast bone or throat area caused by acid reflux, a bitter taste in the mouth, a persistent dry cough, pain when lying down, or regurgitation. While these antacids can cause diarrhea, they do not typically lead to constipation.
Choice C rationale:
Anticholinergics/Antispasmodics Anticholinergics and antispasmodics are used to relieve cramps or spasms of the stomach, intestines, and bladder. Some are used together with antacids or other medicines in the treatment of peptic ulcers. Others are used to prevent nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness. While these medications can cause a variety of side effects, constipation is not a primary side effect.
Choice D rationale:
Opioid narcotics Opioids, also known as narcotics, are a class of drugs healthcare providers prescribe to manage moderate to severe pain, as well as chronic coughing and diarrhea. Common side effects of narcotics include constipation, decreased sweating, dizziness, dry mouth, nose, throat, or skin. Therefore, opioid narcotics are the medication most likely to lead to constipation among the options provided.
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