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 B
Explanation
A) Describe the surgery and what the client will experience postoperatively:
While it is essential to provide information about the surgery and the postoperative experience, the primary focus of preoperative teaching is to ensure that the client understands the information provided. This option does not specifically address the client's level of understanding, which is crucial for effective teaching.
B) Reinforce information at the client's level of understanding:
This is the correct choice. When contributing to the preoperative teaching plan, the nurse should ensure that information is provided in a way that the client can comprehend. Reinforcing information at the client's level of understanding enhances communication and ensures that the client is well-informed about the procedure and what to expect.
C) Reassure the client that the surgery rarely has any negative outcomes:
While it is important to provide reassurance and support to the client, it is not appropriate to make promises or provide guarantees about the outcome of the surgery. Surgery, by its nature, carries risks, and it is essential to provide the client with accurate information while maintaining a supportive and empathetic approach.
D) Notify the client's family of the plan of care:
While it is important to involve the client's family in the plan of care, the primary focus of preoperative teaching is on the client. Involving the family in the plan of care is important, but it is not the most immediate action in the context of preoperative teaching.
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.