A patient is post-op from knee surgery. The patient has been receiving Morphine 4 mg IV every 2 hours. The nurse notices the patient is exhibiting a respiratory rate of 8 and is extremely drowsy. Which of the following conditions is the patient at risk for?
Respiratory acidosis
Hypokalemia
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
The Correct Answer is A
A. Respiratory acidosis:
This occurs when there is inadequate removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) by the respiratory system. In the case of the patient post-op from knee surgery receiving Morphine, the opioid can cause respiratory depression, leading to the retention of CO2 and the development of respiratory acidosis. Signs include a decreased respiratory rate and drowsiness.
B. Hypokalemia:
This is a condition characterized by low levels of potassium in the blood. While opioids can cause constipation, they are not directly associated with hypokalemia.
C. Metabolic acidosis:
This occurs when there is an increase in acid production or a loss of bicarbonate, leading to an imbalance in the body's acid-base status. The symptoms of metabolic acidosis are not typically associated with opioid use.
D. Respiratory alkalosis:
This occurs when there is excessive elimination of CO2, leading to decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Opioids, especially in higher doses, are more likely to cause respiratory depression and acidosis rather than alkalosis. The patient's low respiratory rate and drowsiness are indicative of respiratory acidosis rather than alkalosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. pH 7.28, pCO2 36, HCO3 23:
Explanation: The pH is low, indicating acidosis. However, the pCO2 is within the normal range, which is not consistent with respiratory acidosis. The HCO3 is slightly low but not significantly, and this doesn't align with typical findings in respiratory acidosis.
B. pH 7.52, pCO2 28, HCO3 25:
Explanation: The pH is high, indicating alkalosis. The pCO2 is below the normal range, which is not consistent with respiratory acidosis. The HCO3 is within the normal range, and these values are not typical for respiratory acidosis.
C. pH 7.25, pCO2 50, HCO3 22:
Explanation: The pH is low, indicating acidosis. The pCO2 is elevated, which is typical in respiratory acidosis. The HCO3 is within the normal range, suggesting uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
D. pH 7.35, pCO2 40, HCO3 24:
Explanation: The pH is within the normal range, and both pCO2 and HCO3 are normal. These values do not indicate acidosis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Leukemia:
Explanation: Leukemia is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and lymphatic system. It typically presents with an abnormal increase in white blood cells. While fatigue can be a symptom, increased bilirubin concentration and an increased reticulocyte count are not typical findings in leukemia.
B. Hemolytic Anemia:
Explanation: Hemolytic anemia is characterized by the premature destruction of red blood cells, leading to an increased release of bilirubin (from the breakdown of hemoglobin) and an increased reticulocyte count (as the body attempts to compensate by producing more red blood cells). This is a likely possibility given the presented symptoms.
C. Hypoproliferative Anemia:
Explanation: Hypoproliferative anemia is characterized by a decreased production of red blood cells. It is unlikely in this scenario, as an increased reticulocyte count suggests an attempt by the bone marrow to increase red blood cell production.
D. Thrombocytopenia:
Explanation: Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low platelet count. It does not typically present with an increased bilirubin concentration or an increased reticulocyte count.
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