Colleen, a 19 year old Freshman, was drinking alcohol at a frat party. She stupors, falls and hits her head on the ground. Her friend Julie dials "911" because Colleen is now unconscious, depressed ventilation (shallow and slow respirations), rapid heart rate, and is profusely bleeding from both ears. Which primary acid-base imbalance is Colleen at risk for if medical attention is not provided?
Metabolic Acidosis
Respiratory Acidosis
Respiratory Alkalosis
Metabolic Alkalosis
The Correct Answer is B
Respiratory acidosis is a primary acid-base imbalance that occurs when there is an excess of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the body due to impaired ventilation or inadequate removal of CO2 from the lungs. In this case, Colleen's depressed ventilation, indicated by shallow and slow respirations, can lead to inadequate elimination of CO2 from her body. The excessive CO2 levels can result in an accumulation of carbonic acid (H2CO3) in the blood, leading to an increase in acidity and a decrease in pH.
The profuse bleeding from both ears indicates a potential head injury, which can lead to decreased neurological function and impaired control over the respiratory center in the brain. This can further contribute to depressed ventilation and the development of respiratory acidosis. Metabolic acidosis, characterized by a decrease in bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels or an increase in non-carbonic acids in the blood, is not the primary acid-base imbalance in this case since the scenario does not provide information indicating a primary metabolic disorder. Respiratory alkalosis, characterized by decreased levels of CO2 in the blood, leading to increased pH and alkalinity, is not the primary acid-base imbalance in this case. The depressed ventilation and associated increase in CO2 levels indicate the opposite, respiratory acidosis. Metabolic alkalosis, characterized by an increase in bicarbonate levels or a decrease in non-carbonic acids, is not the primary acid-base imbalance in this case as the scenario does not provide information indicating a primary metabolic disorder.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Cephalosporins are similar to another group of beta-lactam antibiotics called the Penicillins. Both cephalosporins and penicillins belong to the beta-lactam class of antibiotics, which share a similar structure and mechanism of action. They inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to specific proteins called penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), leading to bacterial cell death. This shared mechanism of action makes cephalosporins and penicillins similar in their antibacterial effects.
On the other hand, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides are different classes of antibiotics with distinct structures and mechanisms of action. They work through different mechanisms to inhibit bacterial growth and have different spectrums of activity compared to beta-lactam antibiotics like cephalosporins and penicillins.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Antihistamines primarily work by blocking the H1 receptors, which are the receptors responsible for mediating the actions of histamine in the body. By blocking these receptors, antihistamines prevent or reduce the effects of histamine, such as itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. This is the main mechanism by which antihistamines provide their therapeutic effects. "Antihistamines block release of histamine from mast cells and basophils." This statement is incorrect. Antihistamines do not block the release of histamine; instead, they block the histamine receptors to prevent the effects of histamine.
"H1 antagonists can bind to H1 receptors, H2 receptors, and muscarinic receptors." This statement is incorrect. H1 antagonists, or H1 receptor blockers, specifically bind to H1 receptors and do not have significant affinity for H2 receptors or muscarinic receptors. "First-generation antihistamines are more selective than second-generation antihistamines." This statement is incorrect. First-generation antihistamines are generally less selective and can have more sedating and anticholinergic effects compared to second-generation antihistamines, which are designed to be more selective for H1 receptors and have reduced sedative properties.
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