The nurse provides care for a client admitted one hour ago with the diagnosis of salicylate toxicity. The client has an arterial pH of 7.32. Which finding does the nurse expect to observe?
Numbness and tingling of the fingers and toes
A diffuse headache described as "throbbing"
Flushed skin that is warm to the touch
Decreased muscle strength and deep tendon reflexes
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Numbness and tingling of the fingers and toes is not the expected finding because it is a sign of alkalosis, not acidosis. Alkalosis is a condition where the blood has a high pH, which means that it is too basic or alkaline. Alkalosis can cause numbness and tingling of the fingers and toes due to hypocalcemia, which is a low level of calcium in the blood, or hypokalemia, which is a low level of potassium in the blood. Both conditions can affect the nerve and muscle function, causing paresthesia, which is an abnormal sensation of the skin.
Choice B reason: A diffuse headache described as "throbbing" is the expected finding because it is a sign of acidosis, which is a condition where the blood has a low pH, which means that it is too acidic. Acidosis can cause a diffuse headache described as "throbbing" due to vasodilation, which is the widening of the blood vessels, especially in the brain. Vasodilation can increase the blood flow and the pressure in the head, causing pain and discomfort.
Choice C reason: Flushed skin that is warm to the touch is not the expected finding because it is a sign of fever, not salicylate toxicity. Fever is a condition where the body temperature is higher than normal, usually due to an infection or inflammation. Fever can cause flushed skin that is warm to the touch due to increased blood flow to the skin, which helps to dissipate the excess heat.
Choice D reason: Decreased muscle strength and deep tendon reflexes is not the expected finding because it is a sign of neuromuscular blockade, not salicylate toxicity. Neuromuscular blockade is a condition where the communication between the nerves and the muscles is impaired, causing paralysis or weakness. Neuromuscular blockade can be caused by various factors, such as medications, toxins, or diseases, that interfere with the transmission of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter that stimulates the muscle contraction.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Uric acid is the most common type of renal calculi in clients with gout because it is a condition where the blood has a high level of uric acid, which is a waste product that results from the breakdown of purines, which are substances found in some foods and drinks, such as meat, seafood, and beer. Uric acid can form crystals in the joints, causing inflammation and pain, which is known as gout. Uric acid can also form crystals in the urine, causing kidney stones, which are hard deposits of minerals and salts that can block the urinary tract and cause symptoms such as severe pain, blood in the urine, nausea, and fever.
Choice B reason: Struvite is not the most common type of renal calculi in clients with gout because it is a condition where the urine has a high level of ammonia, which is a chemical that results from the breakdown of urea, which is a waste product that is produced by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Ammonia can form crystals in the urine, along with magnesium, phosphate, and carbonate, creating struvite stones, which are large and staghorn-shaped stones that can fill the entire kidney or the ureter. Struvite stones are usually associated with urinary tract infections, which are caused by bacteria that produce enzymes that increase the urine pH and the ammonia level.
Choice C reason: Cystine is not the most common type of renal calculi in clients with gout because it is a condition where the urine has a high level of cystine, which is an amino acid that is a building block of proteins. Cystine can form crystals in the urine, causing kidney stones, which are rare and hereditary. Cystine stones are caused by a genetic disorder that affects the transport of cystine and other amino acids in the kidneys, resulting in excessive excretion of cystine in the urine.
Choice D reason: Calcium oxalate is not the most common type of renal calculi in clients with gout because it is a condition where the urine has a high level of calcium and oxalate, which are substances that are normally present in the diet and the body. Calcium and oxalate can form crystals in the urine, causing kidney stones, which are the most common type of kidney stones in the general population, but not in clients with gout. Calcium oxalate stones can be caused by various factors, such as dehydration, high intake of animal protein, low intake of fluids, and certain medications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Liver failure is not the most common cause of this type of pain because it is a condition where the liver loses its ability to perform its vital functions, such as detoxifying the blood, producing bile, and metabolizing nutrients. Liver failure can cause symptoms such as jaundice, ascites, or bleeding, but it does not usually cause burning pain in the feet.
Choice B reason: Diabetes mellitus is the most common cause of this type of pain because it is a condition where the blood glucose level is too high, either due to insufficient insulin production or reduced insulin sensitivity. Diabetes mellitus can cause damage to the nerves, especially in the peripheral areas, such as the feet, which is called diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy can cause symptoms such as burning pain, numbness, or tingling in the feet, which can worsen at night or with pressure.
Choice C reason: Mercury toxicity is not the most common cause of this type of pain because it is a condition where the body is exposed to high levels of mercury, which is a toxic metal that can be found in some fish, dental fillings, or thermometers. Mercury toxicity can cause damage to the nervous system, causing symptoms such as tremors, memory loss, or mood changes, but it does not usually cause burning pain in the feet.
Choice D reason: Vitamin B12 deficiency is not the most common cause of this type of pain because it is a condition where the body does not have enough vitamin B12, which is a nutrient that is essential for the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of the nervous system. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause symptoms such as anemia, fatigue, or weakness, but it does not usually cause burning pain in the feet.
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