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 ["D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Petroleum-based ointments like Vaseline are not recommended for moisturizing lips, especially for patients on oxygen therapy. This is because petroleum jelly is not effective at restoring moisture once it’s been lost. Moreover, it can feel heavy and slippery on the lips, and it’s not very eco-friendly.
Choice B rationale:
Oxygen tanks should be kept at a safe distance from heat sources, including electric stoves. However, the recommended distance is not 4 feet but rather at least 5-10 feet away. This is to minimize the risk of fire or combustion.
Choice C rationale:
Wool blankets are not recommended when using oxygen. Wool can cause a spark which can be dangerous around oxygen. It’s important to avoid anything that may cause a spark around home oxygen, including electric heaters, electric blankets, electric razors, hair dryers, or friction toys.
Choice D rationale:
Oxygen tanks should always be stored upright. This prevents any strain on the valves or other components and reduces the risk of damage and potential gas leaks.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Prone The prone position, in which a patient lies facedown, is beneficial for patients with pneumonia as it helps shift the fluid away from the back of the lungs, allowing more air to enter. It also improves ventilation in the lungs and reduces the risk of lung collapse. However, this position is not the most effective for maximum lung expansion in pneumonia patients.
Choice B rationale:
Side-lying Lateral positioning, in which the patient lies on one side, is recommended for patients suffering from pneumonia in just one lung. In this position, the pneumatic lung is exposed to a higher blood flow, resulting in greater oxygenation levels and improved lung expansion. This position can also help prevent lung injury by helping regulate pressure and improve aeration.
But again, this is not the most effective position for maximum lung expansion in pneumonia patients.
Choice C rationale:
Supine The supine position, where the patient lies flat on their back, is not the best position for a pneumonia patient. This position can cause the secretions to pool in the lungs, making it harder for the patient to breathe and potentially worsening their condition. Choice D rationale:
Upright Elevating the head of the bed is an effective way to improve lung expansion and oxygenation levels in pneumonia patients. This position also helps eliminate airway obstruction, reduces pressure on the lungs, and promotes drainage of fluids from the lungs. Therefore, the upright position is the most recommended for maximum lung expansion in pneumonia patients.
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