A nurse is reviewing arterial blood gas results for a client diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse should expect which abnormal finding?
Increased arterial oxygen
Increased pH
Increased carbon dioxide
Decreased alveolar function
The Correct Answer is C
A. Increased arterial oxygen: Clients with COPD typically experience chronic hypoxemia due to alveolar destruction, airway inflammation, and mucus production, which impair gas exchange. Rather than increased oxygen levels, they often have a decreased PaO₂, requiring supplemental oxygen therapy. However, excessive oxygen administration can suppress their respiratory drive, worsening CO₂ retention.
B. Increased pH: COPD is associated with respiratory acidosis due to chronic CO₂ retention from inadequate alveolar ventilation. While the kidneys compensate by increasing bicarbonate retention, the pH usually remains low or near normal in chronic cases rather than becoming elevated. A higher pH would indicate alkalosis, which is not typical in COPD unless there is an additional metabolic disturbance.
C. Increased carbon dioxide: COPD causes airway obstruction and reduced alveolar ventilation, leading to CO₂ retention (hypercapnia). As CO₂ accumulates in the blood, it lowers the pH, resulting in respiratory acidosis. Chronic hypercapnia is a hallmark of advanced COPD, and in response, the kidneys retain bicarbonate to partially compensate, stabilizing the pH over time but leaving PaCO₂ elevated.
D. Decreased alveolar function: While COPD does lead to progressive alveolar damage and reduced gas exchange, this is a structural and functional change rather than a specific abnormality seen in arterial blood gases. The primary ABG finding in COPD is hypercapnia, which reflects inadequate ventilation and CO₂ retention rather than just decreased alveolar function alone.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A. The medication will open the airways: Albuterol is a bronchodilator that works by relaxing the muscles around the airways, leading to dilation and increased airflow. This action helps to relieve symptoms of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), making it easier for the client to breathe. The nurse should emphasize that opening the airways is a primary function of albuterol, providing immediate relief during breathing difficulties.
B. The medication will stimulate the flow of mucus: Albuterol does not primarily stimulate mucus production; rather, its main role is to relax bronchial smooth muscle and open the airways. While effective airway management may lead to improved mucus clearance due to enhanced airflow, albuterol itself does not directly promote mucus secretion. Thus, this statement does not accurately describe the action of the medication.
C. The medication will decrease coughing episodes: By opening the airways and improving airflow, albuterol can help reduce coughing episodes associated with bronchospasm or airway constriction. When the airways are less constricted, the client is less likely to experience the irritative cough often seen in respiratory conditions like asthma. This is an important point for the nurse to convey to help the client understand the medication's benefits.
D. The medication will prevent wheezing: Albuterol can help prevent or relieve wheezing by relaxing the bronchial muscles and facilitating better airflow. Wheezing often occurs when the airways are narrowed or constricted, and by using albuterol, the client can experience fewer wheezing episodes during respiratory distress. The nurse should explain this aspect to reinforce the medication's role in managing asthma or COPD symptoms.
E. The medication will reduce inflammation: Albuterol is not an anti-inflammatory medication; it primarily functions as a bronchodilator. While it can improve breathing by relaxing airway muscles, it does not directly target inflammation in the airways. Inhaled corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory medications are typically used to address inflammation. Therefore, this response does not accurately reflect the action of albuterol.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Use many "I's" in the message: Overusing the word "I" can make a message seem self-centered and less engaging. Instead, a balanced approach that highlights accomplishments and skills without excessive focus on oneself is more effective. Using "I" sparingly helps maintain professionalism and keeps the focus on how the nurse's qualifications meet the needs of potential employers.
B. Be sure to remove your address and phone number and replace it with your email because your resume will be on the internet: While protecting personal information is important, completely removing contact details is not advisable. Including a professional email along with appropriate contact information allows potential employers to reach out directly. Instead of removing all personal contact information, consider using a professional email address while maintaining other essential contact details as needed.
C. Save your resume in .docx format: While .docx is a commonly used format, it is not the best choice for online job applications, as some applicant tracking systems may not parse it correctly. Instead, saving the resume as a PDF is often recommended, as it preserves formatting and is widely accepted by employers. Therefore, this option may not be the most effective recommendation.
D. Focus on selling yourself: This is a good recommendation for a nurse searching for a job. Effectively presenting skills, experiences, and accomplishments demonstrates to potential employers how the nurse can add value to their organization. A well-crafted resume and cover letter should highlight the nurse's qualifications, passion for nursing, and ability to meet the specific needs of the position and the organization. This approach can significantly enhance the chances of securing an interview and ultimately a job.
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