A nurse is reviewing the medical records of four clients who have an acid-base imbalance. The nurse should recognize that which of the following clients is at risk for respiratory alkalosis?
A client who is taking a thiazide diuretic.
A client who is vomiting.
A client who has salicylate intoxication.
A client who has hypoventilation.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is Choice C.
Choice A rationale: Thiazide diuretics cause potassium and chloride loss, leading to metabolic alkalosis, not respiratory alkalosis. Hypokalemia decreases hydrogen ion excretion, increasing bicarbonate levels. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by pH >7.45 and HCO₃⁻ >26 mEq/L rather than decreased PaCO₂.
Choice B rationale: Vomiting leads to metabolic alkalosis due to gastric acid loss. Hydrogen ion depletion increases bicarbonate concentration, shifting pH above normal. Arterial blood gases typically show increased HCO₃⁻ (>26 mEq/L) with a compensatory increase in PaCO₂ (>45 mmHg), not respiratory alkalosis.
Choice C rationale: Salicylate intoxication initially induces hyperventilation, reducing PaCO₂ levels below 35 mmHg and increasing pH above 7.45, leading to respiratory alkalosis. As toxicity progresses, metabolic acidosis may develop due to lactic acid accumulation, but early stages primarily present with respiratory alkalosis.
Choice D rationale: Hypoventilation leads to CO₂ retention, increasing PaCO₂ above 45 mmHg, forming carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) and causing respiratory acidosis. Blood gases show pH <7.35 with elevated PaCO₂, not respiratory alkalosis, which is caused by excessive CO₂ elimination through hyperventilation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A blood glucose level of 110 mg/dL is within the normal range for a non-pregnant individual. During pregnancy, the target range for blood glucose levels may vary, but 110 mg/dL does not typically raise concerns for preeclampsia.
Choice C rationale:
A haemoglobin level of 13 g/dL is within the normal range for a pregnant woman. While haemoglobin levels are important to monitor during pregnancy, this value alone does not indicate a significant concern related to preeclampsia.
Choice D rationale:
Deep tendon reflexes (DTR) of 2+ are within the normal range. Higher DTR levels may be concerning, but a 2+ rating is normal and does not raise immediate alarm for preeclampsia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Determining gestational age in the first trimester is a common and important use of ultrasound. It helps confirm the estimated due date and monitor the fetus's growth and development.
Choice B rationale:
Performing a biophysical profile in the first trimester is not a common use of ultrasound. Biophysical profiles are usually performed in the second or third trimester to assess fetal well-being.
Choice C rationale:
Observing placental maturity in the first trimester is not a standard use of ultrasound. Placental maturity is typically assessed later in pregnancy, especially in the third trimester.
Choice D rationale:
Detecting intrauterine growth restriction in the first trimester is not a primary use of ultrasound. Intrauterine growth restriction is more commonly assessed in the later stages of pregnancy when fetal growth is a concern.
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