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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Atropine:
Atropine is a medication used to increase heart rate. It acts by blocking the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to increased heart rate. It is commonly used to treat bradycardia, which is characterized by a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute. In this scenario, with the client's apical heart rate at 49/min, indicating bradycardia, the nurse should prepare to administer atropine to increase the heart rate.

B) Verapamil:
Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that can decrease heart rate. It is used to treat various cardiac conditions, but it is not appropriate for a client with bradycardia, as it would further lower the heart rate.

C) Digoxin:
Digoxin is a medication used to treat heart failure and certain arrhythmias, but it does not directly increase heart rate. In fact, it can exacerbate bradycardia in some cases.

D) Carvedilol:
Carvedilol is a beta-blocker that can decrease heart rate. It is used to treat hypertension, heart failure, and other cardiovascular conditions, but it is not appropriate for a client with bradycardia, as it would further lower the heart rate.

A. Dry skin B. Diarrhea C. Hyperventilation D. Abdominal pain

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Dry skin:

Dry skin is not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis. Instead, it may occur in conditions such as dehydration or impaired skin integrity.

B. Diarrhea:

Diarrhea is not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis primarily involves changes in the respiratory system, leading to alterations in blood pH and carbon dioxide levels.

C. Hyperventilation:

Hyperventilation is a characteristic finding in respiratory alkalosis. It is a compensatory mechanism where the client breathes rapidly and deeply to blow off excess carbon dioxide, attempting to restore acid-base balance.

D. Abdominal pain:

Abdominal pain is not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis. While some individuals with respiratory alkalosis may experience symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or tingling sensations, abdominal pain is not a common manifestation of this acid-base imbalance.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

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