A nurse is taking care of a patient who is nauseous and vomiting.
Which of the following acid-base imbalances should the nurse identify the patient is at risk for?
Respiratory alkalosis.
Metabolic alkalosis.
Metabolic Acidosis.
Respiratory acidosis.
Respiratory acidosis.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Respiratory alkalosis is typically associated with hyperventilation, which can occur in conditions such as anxiety, fever, or certain lung diseases. However, it is less likely in a patient who is nauseous and vomiting.
Choice B rationale
Metabolic alkalosis is a condition that can occur due to the loss of acid from the body, which can happen when a patient is vomiting. When a person vomits, they lose stomach acid (hydrochloric acid), and this can disrupt the acid-base balance in the body, leading to metabolic alkalosis.
Choice C rationale
Metabolic acidosis is typically associated with conditions that cause the accumulation of acid in the body or the loss of bicarbonate, such as kidney disease, lactic acidosis, or certain poisonings. It is less likely in a patient who is nauseous and vomiting.
Choice D rationale
Respiratory acidosis is typically associated with conditions that cause an inability to remove enough carbon dioxide from the body, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or airway obstruction. It is less likely in a patient who is nauseous and vomiting.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hyperactive reflexes are not typically associated with hypokalemia. Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels in the blood, can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, constipation, and arrhythmia.
Choice B rationale
Extreme thirst is not a typical symptom of hypokalemia. It is more commonly associated with conditions such as diabetes.
Choice C rationale
A weak, irregular pulse is a common symptom of hypokalemia. Low levels of potassium can affect heart function, leading to abnormal heart rhythms.

Choice D rationale
Hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with hypokalemia. In fact, constipation is a common symptom of this condition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Unplugging the cord by holding the plug is a good practice to prevent electrical hazards, but it is not the most important action when administering intravenous fluids.
Choice B rationale
Ensuring the plug has three prongs is the most important action to prevent electrical hazards when administering intravenous fluids. A three-prong plug is grounded and reduces the risk of electrical shock.
Choice C rationale
Avoiding rolling equipment over extension cords is a good practice to prevent electrical hazards, but it is not the most important action when administering intravenous fluids.
Choice D rationale
Plugging in the pump close to the socket is a good practice to prevent electrical hazards, but it is not the most important action when administering intravenous fluids.
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