A nurse is reviewing the ABG values of a client who has chronic bronchitis and reports dyspnea with minimal exertion. Which of the following acid- base imbalances should the nurse suspect?
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
The Correct Answer is C
Answer: C. Respiratory acidosis
Rationale:
A) Metabolic acidosis: This occurs when there is an excess of acid in the body or a loss of bicarbonate, often due to conditions such as renal failure or severe diarrhea. In chronic bronchitis, the primary issue is related to respiratory function rather than metabolic disturbances.
B) Respiratory alkalosis: This condition results from hyperventilation, leading to excessive loss of carbon dioxide. It is unlikely in a client with chronic bronchitis, who typically experiences difficulty in exhaling fully rather than hyperventilating.
C) Respiratory acidosis: In chronic bronchitis, airflow obstruction and reduced gas exchange can lead to carbon dioxide retention, resulting in respiratory acidosis. Symptoms like dyspnea and increased work of breathing support this imbalance, as the body is unable to adequately expel carbon dioxide.
D) Metabolic alkalosis: This imbalance results from excessive bicarbonate or loss of hydrogen ions, often related to prolonged vomiting or diuretics. It is not characteristic of chronic bronchitis, where the primary concern is respiratory function rather than metabolic processes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
(A) Decreased stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS): The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) plays a key role in regulating blood pressure. When the SNS is stimulated, it causes vasoconstriction, or narrowing of the blood vessels, which increases blood pressure. Therefore, decreased stimulation of the SNS would typically lead to vasodilation, or widening of the blood vessels, which would lower blood pressure, not increase it.
(B) Decreased elasticity of blood vessels: As people age, their blood vessels can lose elasticity, which can lead to hypertension. When blood vessels are elastic, they can easily expand and contract with each heartbeat, maintaining a healthy blood pressure. But when they become stiff or rigid, they can’t expand as easily, causing the pressure inside to increase.
(c) Increased peripheral vascular resistance (PVR): Peripheral vascular resistance is the resistance that blood must overcome to flow through the blood vessels. The more resistance, the harder the heart has to work to pump blood through the body, which can lead to increased blood pressure. Factors that can increase PVR include vasoconstriction, or narrowing of the blood vessels, and increased blood viscosity, or thickness.
(D) Decreased fluid volume: Decreased fluid volume, or hypovolemia, would typically lead to a decrease in blood pressure, not an increase. This is because blood pressure is directly related to the volume of blood in the blood vessels. When there’s less blood, the pressure inside the blood vessels is usually lower.
(E) Increased blood viscosity: Blood viscosity refers to the thickness of the blood. When blood is thicker, it’s harder for it to flow through the blood vessels, which increases the resistance to blood flow, leading to increased blood pressure.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Tingling of the lips:
This is the correct choice. Hypocalcemia, which is low calcium levels in the blood, can lead to neurological symptoms such as tingling sensations around the lips and in the extremities. This occurs due to the effect of low calcium levels on the nervous system.
B) Hypoactive bowel sounds:
Hypocalcemia primarily affects neuromuscular function rather than gastrointestinal function. While calcium imbalances can impact gastrointestinal motility, hypoactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with hypocalcemia.
C) Skeletal muscle weakness:
Skeletal muscle weakness is a common symptom of hypocalcemia. Low calcium levels affect the ability of muscles to contract effectively, leading to weakness and fatigue.
D) Decreased deep-tendon reflexes:
Hypocalcemia can actually lead to increased deep-tendon reflexes rather than decreased reflexes. Calcium plays a role in neuromuscular transmission, and low levels can result in hyperexcitability of nerves, leading to increased reflexes rather than decreased reflexes.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.