The nurse is caring for a patient with respiratory alkalosis. What will the nurse recognize as the potential cause of this acid-base imbalance?

Hypoventilation

Panic attacks

Pneumonia

Congestive heart failure

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason: Hypoventilation is not a cause of respiratory alkalosis. Hypoventilation leads to respiratory acidosis due to the retention of carbon dioxide (CO2). Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is excessive exhalation of CO2, leading to a higher pH (alkaline).

Choice B reason: Panic attacks can cause respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation. During a panic attack, a person may breathe rapidly and deeply, leading to excessive loss of CO2. This reduces the CO2 levels in the blood and increases the pH, resulting in respiratory alkalosis.

Choice C reason: Pneumonia is more likely to cause respiratory acidosis or metabolic acidosis rather than respiratory alkalosis. Pneumonia can impair gas exchange, leading to CO2 retention and decreased oxygen levels, which are not typical triggers for respiratory alkalosis.

Choice D reason: Congestive heart failure can lead to respiratory alkalosis, but it is more commonly associated with metabolic acidosis due to poor perfusion and anaerobic metabolism. Hyperventilation in heart failure patients can lead to respiratory alkalosis, but panic attacks are a more direct and common cause.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Family history of common bile duct disorder is not a known trigger for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder with multifactorial causes, including but not limited to genetics, gut-brain axis, and environmental factors. Bile duct disorders and IBS have different pathophysiological mechanisms and are not directly linked.

Choice B reason: The frequent occurrence of blood in the stool is not a cause of IBS. Blood in the stool is more indicative of other gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer, or haemorrhoids. IBS is characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits without organic pathology such as bleeding.

Choice C reason: While there is some evidence suggesting that individuals with a family history of psychiatric disorders and food allergies may have a higher prevalence of IBS, it is not the main cause. These factors may contribute to the onset and exacerbation of symptoms but are part of a broader spectrum of triggers, including genetics, stress, and gut microbiota.

Choice D reason: Environmental and psychosocial factors are indeed associated with the onset of IBS. Factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, and traumatic life events can play a significant role in the development and exacerbation of IBS symptoms. Additionally, environmental factors like diet, infections, and changes in gut microbiota are known to influence IBS. This choice aligns with current evidence-based understanding of the condition.

A. Normal blood pressure, deep respirations B. Increased alertness, normal heart rhythm C. High urine specific gravity, normal temperature D. Blood glucose of 250 mg/dL, disorientation

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Normal blood pressure may indicate improved hydration, but deep respirations (often seen in metabolic acidosis or DKA) suggest that the patient is still experiencing distress. This combination does not reliably signal effective treatment for HHS.

Choice B reason:

Increased alertness shows that the patient’s mental status is improving, reflecting better cerebral perfusion and hydration.
A normal heart rhythm indicates that potassium levels are stable (thanks to the potassium chloride in the IV fluids) and that the insulin therapy is not causing dangerous shifts.
Together, these findings are the best indicators that the treatment is effective.

Choice C reason:

A high urine specific gravity reveals that the urine is still concentrated, which means dehydration persists.
Although the temperature is normal, the continued dehydration is not consistent with effective treatment of HHS.

Choice D reason:

A blood glucose of 250 mg/dL suggests that hyperglycemia is being corrected; however, persistent disorientation indicates that the patient’s mental status has not improved, meaning that the treatment has not fully resolved the critical aspects of HHS.

Thus, Choice B (Increased alertness, normal heart rhythm) is the best indicator of effective treatment.

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The nurse is caring for a patient with respiratory alkalosis. What will the nurse recognize as the potential cause of this acid-base imbalance?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a patient with a new diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The patient is upset and concerned about how they got IBS. What evidence-based information, related to the causes of IBS, will the nurse provide to this patient?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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