The nurse is assessing a client who has been experiencing prolonged stress. For which most serious complication should the nurse monitor the client?
Increased muscle tension
Altered sleep patterns
Increased peristalsis
Impaired immunity
The Correct Answer is D
D. Impaired immunity is a serious complication of prolonged stress that can have significant implications for overall health and susceptibility to illness. Chronic stress has been linked to dysregulation of the immune system, leading to decreased immune function and increased susceptibility to infections, autoimmune disorders, and other illnesses. Impaired immunity can compromise the body's ability to fight off pathogens and may contribute to the development or exacerbation of various health conditions.
A. Increased muscle tension is a common physiological response to stress but it is not typically considered a serious complication. Prolonged muscle tension can lead to discomfort, headaches, and musculoskeletal issues, but it is not usually life-threatening or associated with severe complications.
B. Altered sleep patterns, such as insomnia or disrupted sleep, can be significant consequences of prolonged stress. Chronic sleep disturbances can negatively impact physical health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. While altered sleep patterns can have serious implications for overall health and quality of life, they are not typically considered life-threatening in the short term.
C. Increased peristalsis refers to heightened movement of the gastrointestinal tract, which can result in symptoms such as diarrhea or gastrointestinal discomfort. While gastrointestinal disturbances are common manifestations of stress, they are generally not considered the most serious complication of prolonged stress. However, severe or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms may warrant medical evaluation and management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Vomiting results in loss of hydrochloric acid (HCl) from the stomach, leading to a loss of chloride ions (Cl-) and hydrogen ions (H+) from the body. This loss of hydrogen ions can result in an accumulation of bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) relative to hydrogen ions, leading to metabolic alkalosis. Therefore, this client is at risk for developing metabolic alkalosis due to prolonged vomiting.
B. Client who has had diarrhea for the past 24 hours: Diarrhea leads to loss of bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) from the body along with fluid and electrolytes. However, metabolic alkalosis is less likely to occur with diarrhea alone because the loss of bicarbonate ions is usually balanced by the loss of chloride ions (Cl-) and hydrogen ions (H+). Therefore, while diarrhea can lead to metabolic acidosis in some cases, it is less likely to cause metabolic alkalosis.
C. Client who has overdosed on heroin: Heroin overdose is not directly associated with metabolic alkalosis. In the context of heroin overdose, respiratory depression leading to respiratory acidosis is a more immediate concern. Therefore, this client is not at risk for developing metabolic alkalosis due to heroin overdose.
D. Client who is admitted with an asthma exacerbation: Asthma exacerbation can lead to respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation and excessive elimination of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body. However, metabolic alkalosis is not a typical consequence of asthma exacerbation alone. Therefore, while this client may experience respiratory alkalosis, they are not at risk for developing metabolic alkalosis solely due to asthma exacerbation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. This is a critical initial step before administering enteral feedings. Aspirating stomach contents helps confirm the placement of the nasogastric tube in the stomach rather than the respiratory tract. Checking the pH of the aspirate can further confirm gastric placement, as gastric fluid typically has an acidic pH (usually less than 5). This step ensures that the feeding will be delivered to the correct location, minimizing the risk of aspiration.
A. While it's important for the formula to be at an appropriate temperature for administration to prevent discomfort or complications such as cramping, this is not typically the first action to take. It can be done concurrently with other preparatory steps.
B. Proper labeling of the feeding container is essential for patient safety and adherence to institutional policies. However, this is not the first action to be completed. It's usually done after preparing the feeding and confirming the tube placement.
D. Assessing residual volume involves checking for any residual contents in the stomach from previous feedings. This step helps determine how much of the previous feeding remains in the stomach and whether it's safe to administer the next feeding. However, it typically follows confirming tube placement, as it's essential to know the tube is in the correct position before assessing residual volume.
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