A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is postoperative and has a respiratory rate of 7/min. The arterial blood gas (ABG) values include: pH 7.22 PaCO2 68 mm Hg Base excess -2 PaO2 78 mm Hg Oxygen saturation 80% Bicarbonate 28 mEq/L. Which of the following interpretations of the ABG values should the nurse make?

Metabolic acidosis

Respiratory acidosis

Metabolic alkalosis

Respiratory alkalosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Metabolic acidosis

Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (< 7.35) and a decreased bicarbonate level (< 22 mEq/L). In this scenario, the pH is low (7.22), but the bicarbonate level is elevated (28 mEq/L), which does not support a diagnosis of metabolic acidosis.

B. Respiratory acidosis

Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide (PaCO2 > 45 mm Hg), leading to a decrease in pH (< 7.35). In this case, the pH is low (7.22), and the PaCO2 is elevated (68 mm Hg), consistent with respiratory acidosis.

C. Metabolic alkalosis

Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (> 7.45) and an elevated bicarbonate level (> 26 mEq/L). In this scenario, the pH is low (7.22), and the bicarbonate level is also elevated (28 mEq/L), which does not support a diagnosis of metabolic alkalosis.

D. Respiratory alkalosis

Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is a decrease in carbon dioxide (PaCO2 < 35 mm Hg), leading to an increase in pH (> 7.45). In this case, the pH is low (7.22), and the PaCO2 is elevated (68 mm Hg), which is not consistent with respiratory alkalosis.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Prepare the client for endotracheal suctioning.

Endotracheal suctioning is a procedure used to clear secretions from the airway, which may be necessary in cases of respiratory distress. However, it is not the first action to take in this scenario. Before proceeding with suctioning, the nurse should first assess the client's respiratory status and implement interventions to improve ventilation and oxygenation.

B. Elevate the head of the bed.

This is the correct action to take first. Elevating the head of the bed helps improve the client's respiratory mechanics by allowing better lung expansion and reducing the work of breathing. It also helps alleviate symptoms of respiratory distress. This intervention should be implemented immediately to optimize the client's breathing.

C. Request a chest x-ray.

While a chest x-ray may provide valuable information about the client's respiratory status, it is not the first action to take in this acute situation. Chest x-rays require time to be performed and interpreted, which may delay necessary interventions to address the client's immediate respiratory distress.

D. Obtain a sputum culture.

Obtaining a sputum culture may be indicated to identify the underlying cause of respiratory distress, such as infection. However, it is not the first action to take when the client is experiencing acute respiratory distress. The priority is to implement interventions to improve ventilation and oxygenation to stabilize the client's condition.

A. Offer small frequent meals B. Encourage extra liquids with meals C. Assist the patient to exercise before meals D. Supply information about nutrition

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Offer small frequent meals

Offering small, frequent meals is beneficial for patients with COPD because it helps overcome the challenges associated with dyspnea and fatigue. Large meals can cause discomfort and increase the effort required for breathing, which can exacerbate respiratory symptoms. By providing smaller, more manageable portions of food throughout the day, patients with COPD can maintain their energy levels and meet their nutritional needs without experiencing excessive respiratory distress.

B. Encourage extra liquids with meals

Encouraging extra liquids with meals can help prevent dehydration and thin respiratory secretions, making it easier for patients with COPD to manage their respiratory symptoms. However, excessive fluid intake can also lead to feelings of fullness and discomfort, especially in patients with compromised lung function. Therefore, while it's important to encourage adequate hydration, particularly during meals, it's also essential to balance fluid intake to avoid exacerbating respiratory symptoms.

C. Assist the patient to exercise before meals

While regular exercise is beneficial for overall health and can help improve respiratory function in patients with COPD, exercising immediately before meals may not be practical or advisable for all patients. Patients with COPD may experience fatigue and dyspnea during physical activity, which can affect their ability to eat and digest food effectively. Additionally, exercising before meals may increase energy expenditure and exacerbate respiratory symptoms, making it more challenging for patients to consume an adequate amount of nutrients. Instead, patients with COPD may benefit from engaging in light physical activity or respiratory exercises at a different time of day to improve their respiratory function and overall well-being.

D. Supply information about nutrition

Providing information about nutrition is essential for patients with COPD to help them make healthy dietary choices and manage their condition effectively. However, simply supplying information may not be sufficient to enhance the nutritional status of patients with COPD. It's important to offer practical guidance and support, such as meal planning tips, dietary modifications, and strategies for overcoming barriers to healthy eating. Additionally, individualized dietary counseling from a registered dietitian can be beneficial for patients with COPD to address specific nutritional needs and preferences.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse enters a client's room to administer medication and finds the client lying in bed disoriented with labored and fast respirations. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

What nursing intervention enhances the nutritional status of a patient with COPD?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Which of the following could the nurse expect to observe in an older adult client who has a pneumothorax?

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The nurse is providing instruction about ipratropium (Atrovent) to a patient with COPD. Which is a common adverse effect that tends to resolve with therapy?

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has pulmonary tuberculosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled to undergo thoracentesis. In which of the following positions should the nurse place the client for the procedure?

A patient is admitted to the hospital with SOB. The nurse notices increasing confusion and combativeness during the past hour. Which of the following actions is appropriate first?

The nurse is caring for a client who has a pneumothorax and a water-seal chest tube drainage system to suction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?