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. Development of a buffalo hump and moon face:
This is associated with Cushing's syndrome, a disorder characterized by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol.
B. Central obesity and purple striations:
Also indicative of Cushing's syndrome, where excess cortisol can lead to the accumulation of fat in the abdominal area (central obesity) and the development of purple stretch marks (striae).
C. Sudden weight loss without dieting:
This is more characteristic of hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland is overactive, leading to increased metabolism and unintended weight loss.
D. Positive Trousseau's sign when checking the client's blood pressure:
Trousseau's sign is associated with hypocalcemia and is seen in conditions affecting the parathyroid gland rather than the thyroid. It involves carpal spasm induced by inflating a blood pressure cuff above the systolic pressure for a few minutes.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "The parathyroid has no effect on calcium levels in the body; this will just help prevent osteoporosis":
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The parathyroid gland plays a crucial role in calcium homeostasis. Hypoparathyroidism, characterized by decreased parathyroid hormone (PTH) production, leads to low blood calcium levels, not high levels.
B. "The reason you have hypoparathyroidism is that you were diagnosed with hypothyroidism, and when the thyroid doesn't work, neither does the parathyroid, so you need these supplements."
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The parathyroid and thyroid are separate glands with distinct functions. Hypoparathyroidism is not a result of hypothyroidism.
C. "A decrease in parathyroid hormone causes low calcium levels, so your body to break down bones to maintain normal calcium levels, and this will prevent that from happening."
Explanation: This is the correct statement. Hypoparathyroidism leads to a decrease in PTH, resulting in low blood calcium levels. Without sufficient PTH, the body may resort to breaking down bones to maintain calcium levels.
D. "An increase in parathyroid hormone causes your body to move calcium into the cells to reduce blood calcium levels, so you have to replace the levels in the blood."
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. An increase in parathyroid hormone (PTH) typically leads to increased blood calcium levels by promoting the release of calcium from bones and reducing calcium excretion by the kidneys. This describes hyperparathyroidism, not hypoparathyroidism.
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