A nurse is evaluating a patient who has respiratory alkalosis.
What symptoms should the nurse anticipate?
Dry skin
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Flank pain
Flank pain
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Dry skin is not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood aren’t balanced. It occurs when you breathe too fast or too deep and carbon dioxide levels drop too low. This condition does not directly cause dry skin.
Choice B rationale:
Abdominal pain is not a common symptom of respiratory alkalosis. The condition is usually caused by over-breathing (called hyperventilation) that occurs when you breathe very deeply or rapidly. While it can cause discomfort, it does not typically result in abdominal pain.
Choice C rationale:
Diarrhea is not a direct symptom of respiratory alkalosis. However, the stress or anxiety that can cause hyperventilation and lead to respiratory alkalosis might also upset the digestive system and cause diarrhea. It’s important to note that while stress and anxiety can cause both conditions, they are not a direct result of the respiratory alkalosis itself.
Choice D rationale:
Flank pain is not a symptom of respiratory alkalosis. Flank pain is often associated with kidney problems, not respiratory conditions. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by symptoms such as dizziness, bloating, feeling light-headed, numbness or muscle spasms in the hands and feet, discomfort in the chest area, confusion, dry mouth, tingling in the arms, heart palpitations, and feeling short of breath.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The statement “The pulse oximeter may not be accurate during periods of excessive movement” is correct. Pulse oximeters measure the amount of oxygen in the blood by shining light through the skin, and movement can cause the light to scatter, leading to inaccurate readings.
Choice B rationale:
The statement “We will inform the doctor if the pulse oximeter consistently reads 100%” indicates further instruction is needed. A pulse oximeter reading of 100% is not necessarily a cause for concern. It simply means that the hemoglobin is fully saturated with oxygen. However, if the oxygen level is consistently at 100%, it could indicate that the oxygen flow is too high and needs to be adjusted. It’s important to follow the healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the desired oxygen saturation level for the infant.
Choice C rationale:
The statement “The probe of the pulse oximeter can be attached to a finger or a toe” is correct. The probe of a pulse oximeter can indeed be attached to a finger, toe, or even an earlobe. The important thing is that it’s attached to a part of the body with good blood flow. Choice D rationale:
The statement “We will move the probe of the pulse oximeter every 24 hours” is correct. It’s important to move the probe periodically to prevent skin damage, such as pressure sores or burns, especially in infants who have delicate skin.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The statement “I do my wheelchair exercises sitting in my chair” is correct. Wheelchair exercises are designed to be performed while seated in a wheelchair. They help to maintain muscle strength and flexibility, which is crucial for individuals with paralysis.
Choice B rationale:
The statement “I use a suppository every night to have a bowel movement” is also correct. Individuals with paralysis often have difficulty with bowel movements due to lack of muscle control. Using a suppository can stimulate the rectum and induce a bowel movement. Choice C rationale:
The statement “I need to catheterize myself twice a day” indicates a need for further teaching. Individuals with paralysis from the waist down following a spinal cord injury typically need to perform intermittent self-catheterization every 4-6 hours, not just twice a day. This helps to prevent urinary tract infections and bladder overdistension.
Choice D rationale:
The statement “I carry a water bottle with me because I drink a lot of water” is correct. Drinking plenty of water is important for overall health and can help to prevent urinary tract infections, which are common in individuals who self-catheterize.
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