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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Vitamin A Deficiency:
Symptoms: Enlarged tongue and smooth, beefy red appearance.
Relevance: Vitamin A deficiency is not typically associated with an enlarged tongue. It is more commonly linked to night blindness and skin issues.

B. Folic Acid Deficiency:
Symptoms: Enlarged tongue and smooth, beefy red appearance.
Relevance: Folic acid deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia and glossitis (inflammation of the tongue), which may present as an enlarged, smooth, and red tongue.

C. Vitamin B12 Deficiency:
Symptoms: Enlarged tongue and smooth, beefy red appearance.
Relevance: Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause pernicious anemia and glossitis, resulting in an enlarged, smooth, and red tongue.

D. Vitamin C Deficiency:
Symptoms: Not typically associated with an enlarged tongue.
Relevance: Vitamin C deficiency is more commonly associated with symptoms like scurvy, which includes bleeding gums, joint pain, and skin issues, but not specifically an enlarged tongue.

A. Development of a buffalo hump and moon face B. Central obesity and purple striations C. Sudden weight loss without dieting D. Positive Trosseau's sign when checking the client's blood pressure

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.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is performing a physical examination on an adolescent male suspected of having an endocrine disorder. Which of the following assessment findings might be indicative of a problem with the thyroid gland?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A patient with a longstanding diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder presents to the emergency room. The triage nurse notes upon an assessment that the patient is hyperventilating. The triage nurse is aware that hyperventilation is the MOST common cause of which acid-base imbalance?

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A nurse is providing education to a client with iron deficiency anemia who has been prescribed iron supplements. What should the nurse include in health education?

The nurse understands causes of respiratory acidosis include: (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

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