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?
Respiratory Acidosis
Metabolic Alkalosis
Metabolic Acidosis
Respiratory Alkalosis
The Correct Answer is D
A. Respiratory Acidosis:
Explanation: Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is inadequate elimination of carbon dioxide, leading to an increase in PaCO2 and a decrease in blood pH. This is typically associated with conditions that impair ventilation.
B. Metabolic Alkalosis:
Explanation: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an elevated blood pH and bicarbonate (HCO3-) concentration. It is not directly caused by hyperventilation but is often associated with conditions such as excessive vomiting or excessive bicarbonate intake.
C. Metabolic Acidosis:
Explanation: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in blood pH and bicarbonate concentration. It is not directly caused by hyperventilation but may result from conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis or lactic acidosis.
D. Respiratory Alkalosis:
Explanation: Hyperventilation is the most common cause of respiratory alkalosis. During hyperventilation, there is an excessive loss of carbon dioxide (CO2) through rapid breathing, leading to a decrease in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) in the blood. This results in an increase in blood pH, causing an alkalotic state.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "When I went to the restroom the last few days, my urine smelled odd."
Changes in the smell of urine can be associated with various conditions, including diabetes. However, it's not a specific symptom.
B. "I've always been a fan of sweet foods, but lately I'm turned off by them."
A change in taste preferences may not be directly related to diabetes. It's not a typical symptom.
C. "No matter how much sleep I get, it seems to take me hours to wake up."
Fatigue and difficulty waking up are general symptoms that can be caused by various factors, including diabetes. However, it's not specific to diabetes alone.
D. "Lately, I drink a lot, but I can't seem to quench my thirst."
Excessive thirst (polydipsia) and increased urination (polyuria) are classic symptoms of diabetes, suggesting elevated blood sugar levels.
Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
A. I will inject my insulin by pinching up a large area of skin, and then inserting the needle.
The correct technique for subcutaneous insulin injection involves pinching a small area of skin (creating a skinfold) and inserting the needle at a 90-degree angle. Injecting into a large area might result in inadequate subcutaneous administration.
B. I can mix my regular acting insulin and my Lantus in the same syringe.
Lantus (insulin glargine) is a long-acting insulin that should not be mixed with other insulins. It should be administered separately to maintain its long-acting profile.
C. I can inject my insulin in the same location each time.
This statement is correct. Injecting insulin into the same general area consistently can help with consistent absorption.
D. I can use a needle/syringe more than once since I am the only one using it.
It is not safe to reuse needles or syringes. Single-use needles and syringes should be disposed of properly after each use to prevent infection and other complications.
E. I will discard my used syringes in a hard container, like an empty plastic milk jug.
This statement is correct. Used syringes should be discarded in a puncture-resistant container, and an empty plastic milk jug can serve as a suitable container for disposal.
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