The nurse is caring for a patient who is dyspneic with accessory muscle use, respiratory rate 24 breaths/minute, pulse oximetry 88% on room air, and speaking in phrases. When choosing an oxygen delivery system, which guideline is the most appropriate?

Always use a low flow device such as a nasal cannula or simple face mask.

Correct the PaO2 to a normal level as quickly as possible using mechanical ventilation.

Use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to maintain PaCO2 greater than 50 mmHg.

Increase the PaO2 to an acceptable level at the lowest oxygen concentration possible.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: Always using a low flow device such as a nasal cannula or simple face mask is not necessarily appropriate for all patients. The choice of device should be based on the patient's oxygen needs and clinical status.

Choice B reason: Correcting the PaO2 to a normal level as quickly as possible using mechanical ventilation is not appropriate in most cases. Rapid correction of oxygen levels can lead to complications such as oxygen toxicity. Mechanical ventilation is used in severe cases but is not the first line of treatment for most patients.

Choice C reason: Using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to maintain PaCO2 greater than 50 mmHg is incorrect. CPAP is used to maintain open airways and improve oxygenation but is not used to target specific PaCO2 levels.

Choice D reason: Increasing the PaO2 to an acceptable level at the lowest oxygen concentration possible is the most appropriate guideline. This approach aims to correct hypoxemia without causing oxygen toxicity. The goal is to achieve adequate oxygenation while minimizing the risk of adverse effects from high oxygen concentrations.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: The statement that young people do not have to worry about heart failure, just older people, is incorrect. While heart failure is more common in older adults, it can occur at any age, particularly in individuals with underlying health conditions or risk factors.

Choice B reason: Progressive kidney failure contributes to the development and severity of heart failure. Kidney function and heart function are closely related. When the kidneys are not working properly, they can contribute to fluid retention, increased blood pressure, and additional strain on the heart, leading to heart failure.

Choice C reason: The elderly patient using cocaine as a teenager and complaining of occasional anxiety is less relevant to the immediate risk factors for developing heart failure. While past cocaine use can have long-term cardiovascular effects, occasional anxiety is not a significant contributing factor to heart failure.

Choice D reason: The patient taking 20mg of losartan every day and having a potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L is relevant to managing their heart condition but does not directly address the development of heart failure. Losartan is a medication used to manage blood pressure and heart failure, and the potassium level is within the normal range.

A. pH 7.30, PaCO2 59, HCO3 30 B. pH 7.50, PaCO2 30, HCO3 24 C. pH 7.48, PaCO2 42, HCO3 29 D. pH 7.33, PaCO2 34, HCO3 18

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: The lab results pH 7.30, PaCO2 59, HCO3 30 indicate respiratory acidosis with partial compensation. This is a typical finding in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to chronic hypoventilation and CO2 retention. The elevated PaCO2 reflects respiratory acidosis, and the elevated HCO3 indicates renal compensation to maintain acid-base balance.

Choice B reason: The lab results pH 7.50, PaCO2 30, HCO3 24 indicate respiratory alkalosis. This is not typical for COPD, where respiratory acidosis is more common.

Choice C reason: The lab results pH 7.48, PaCO2 42, HCO3 29 indicate metabolic alkalosis with partial compensation, which is not consistent with the primary respiratory issues seen in COPD.

Choice D reason: The lab results pH 7.33, PaCO2 34, HCO3 18 indicate metabolic acidosis with partial compensation, which is not typical for COPD. COPD primarily causes respiratory acidosis due to CO2 retention.

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The nurse is caring for a patient who is dyspneic with accessory muscle use, respiratory rate 24 breaths/minute, pulse oximetry 88% on room air, and speaking in phrases. When choosing an oxygen delivery system, which guideline is the most appropriate?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nursing instructor is discussing heart failure during post-conference. Which statement by the student confirms their understanding of a contributing factor to a patient's increased risk for developing heart failure?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which lab results will the nurse expect to find to support this diagnosis?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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