A nurse is monitoring a client who has diabetes mellitus and a glucose level of 384 mg/dl. (74 to 106 mg/dL). Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of metabolic acidosis?
Positive Trousseau's sign
Dizziness upon standing
Tingling of the fingers
Increased respiratory rate
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Positive Trousseau's sign is incorrect. Trousseau's sign is associated more with calcium imbalances, particularly hypocalcemia, and is assessed by inflating a blood pressure cuff on the arm to induce carpal spasm. It's not a specific indicator of metabolic acidosis related to high glucose levels in diabetes mellitus.
Choice B Reason:
Dizziness upon standing is incorrect. Dizziness upon standing, also known as orthostatic hypotension, is more commonly associated with blood pressure changes upon position changes. While it can occur in various conditions, it's not a specific indicator of metabolic acidosis in this context.
Choice C Reason:
Tingling of the fingers is incorrect. Tingling sensations, known as paresthesia, can occur due to various reasons, including nerve damage related to chronic high blood sugar levels in diabetes (diabetic neuropathy). However, it's not a direct and specific indicator of metabolic acidosis caused by high glucose levels in diabetes mellitus.
Choice D Reason:
Increased respiratory rate is correct. Metabolic acidosis in a diabetic individual can trigger compensatory mechanisms, such as increased respiratory rate (Kussmaul respirations), as the body tries to eliminate excess acids through respiration to help regulate the acid-base balance. This increased respiratory rate is an attempt to blow off carbon dioxide (a potential acidic byproduct) and decrease the acidity in the blood.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A"]
Explanation
a. Have the client wear a surgical mask during transport. This is the appropriate intervention to prevent the spread of the influenza virus when the client needs to be transported within the healthcare facility. Influenza is primarily spread through respiratory droplets, so wearing a surgical mask helps to contain these droplets.
b. Wear an N95 mask while providing care to the client. An N95 mask is generally not required for influenza. Standard precautions, including wearing a surgical mask when within close proximity to the client, are usually sufficient.
c. Administer an influenza immunization to the client. It is not appropriate to administer the influenza vaccine to a client who is already infected with the influenza virus.
d. Place the client in a negative airflow room. Negative airflow rooms are typically reserved for airborne diseases such as tuberculosis. Influenza, which spreads via droplets, does not require this level of isolation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Measuring the client's intake and output every 8 hours is a general nursing intervention but might not be specifically pertinent to managing viral meningitis.
Choice B Reason:
Dim the lighting in the client's room is correct. Meningitis often causes sensitivity to light (photophobia) due to the inflammation of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Dimming the lighting in the client's room helps reduce discomfort and sensitivity to light, which is a common symptom of meningitis.
Choice C Reason:
Monitoring the client's temperature every 6 hours is a routine nursing practice, but in viral meningitis, more frequent temperature monitoring might be necessary, especially if the client shows signs of fever or instability.
Choice D Reason:
Initiating contact precautions for viral meningitis is not typically necessary because it's usually transmitted through respiratory secretions. Standard precautions for infection control, including proper hand hygiene, are usually sufficient.
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