The nurse assessing a client's intravenous catheter site suspects a phlebitis based on which clinical findings?

C. Assisting the client in slowed breathing techniques is the most appropriate initial intervention for a client experiencing hyperventilation due to acute psychological stress. Slowed breathing techniques, such as pursed-lip breathing or diaphragmatic breathing, can help normalize respiratory rate and depth, thereby correcting the respiratory alkalosis. Encouraging the client to breathe slowly and deeply can help reduce the respiratory rate and restore a more balanced acid-base status.
A. Administering a sedative may not be the initial intervention for a client experiencing hyperventilation due to acute psychological stress. Sedatives can depress the respiratory drive further and may exacerbate respiratory alkalosis. Additionally, administering sedatives should be based on a comprehensive assessment and medical prescription, rather than as a first-line intervention for hyperventilation.
B. While hyperventilation can sometimes lead to symptoms resembling seizure activity (such as muscle twitching or numbness), assessing for seizure activity is not typically the initial intervention for respiratory alkalosis. In the context of acute psychological stress causing hyperventilation, addressing the hyperventilation itself is the priority.
D. While monitoring vital signs, including blood pressure, is important in assessing the client's overall condition, it is not the initial intervention specifically for addressing respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation. The priority in this situation is to address the hyperventilation itself through appropriate breathing techniques.

B. Increased mental acuity, or heightened alertness and cognitive function, is a characteristic response during the alarm stage of GAS. The body's stress response enhances mental focus and perception to help the individual recognize and respond to the stressor effectively.
C. During the alarm stage of GAS, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to the release of adrenaline (epinephrine) and norepinephrine. These hormones stimulate the kidneys to conserve water and sodium, leading to decreased urine output and increased urine retention. Therefore, increased urine retention is an expected physiologic manifestation in the alarm stage.
D. During the alarm stage, the sympathetic nervous system activation leads to bronchodilation, allowing for increased airflow to the lungs. This facilitates improved oxygenation of the blood and enhances the individual's ability to respond to the stressor by increasing oxygen delivery to tissues.
A. During the alarm stage of GAS, the body initiates the fight-or-flight response, which leads to the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones increase blood glucose levels through processes like glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis to provide energy for the body to respond to the stressor. Therefore, decreased blood glucose is not an expected manifestation in the alarm stage.
E. Decreased pupil size: During the alarm stage of GAS, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to the dilation of pupils (mydriasis). This allows for improved visual acuity and peripheral vision, enhancing the individual's ability to detect potential threats or stimuli in the environment.