Two days after admission for an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an older client's arterial blood gas (ABC) indicate an acid base imbalance. The client's laboratory results reveal a low hemoglobin level, an elevated creatinine clearance, and decreased urine specific gravity. Which is the most likely cause for the acid base imbalance?

Myocardial infarction one year ago.

Occasional use of antacids.

Chronic renal insufficiency.

Shortness of breath with exertion.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Myocardial infarction one year ago:

A myocardial infarction (MI) that occurred one year ago is not directly related to the current acid-base imbalance described in the scenario. While a history of MI may have implications for the client's overall cardiovascular health and management, it is not the most likely cause of the acid-base imbalance indicated by the laboratory results.

B. Occasional use of antacids:

Occasional use of antacids is unlikely to cause the acid-base imbalance described in the scenario. Antacids primarily work by neutralizing gastric acid and are not typically associated with significant alterations in acid-base status, especially when used intermittently.

C. Chronic renal insufficiency:

Chronic renal insufficiency is the most likely cause of the acid-base imbalance indicated by the laboratory results. A low hemoglobin level suggests anemia, which can occur in chronic kidney disease due to decreased erythropoietin production. An elevated creatinine clearance indicates impaired kidney function, as the kidneys are clearing creatinine at a faster rate than normal. Decreased urine specific gravity suggests the kidneys' inability to concentrate urine properly, which is a common finding in renal insufficiency. Renal insufficiency can lead to metabolic acidosis due to the kidneys' decreased ability to excrete acid and regulate bicarbonate levels.

D. Shortness of breath with exertion:

Shortness of breath with exertion, a symptom commonly seen in COPD exacerbations, is unlikely to directly cause the acid-base imbalance described in the scenario. While respiratory distress can lead to respiratory acidosis, which is characterized by elevated carbon dioxide levels and decreased pH, the laboratory results indicate metabolic rather than respiratory acidosis.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the formation of multiple fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys. One of the complications associated with PKD is hypertension, which often occurs due to activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Here's how the pathophysiological process of the RAAS contributes to the client's elevated blood pressure:

A) Intravascular fluid deficit:

In polycystic kidney disease, the development of multiple cysts in the kidneys can impair renal function and lead to decreased filtration and reabsorption capacity. However, this impairment typically leads to fluid retention rather than intravascular fluid deficit, contributing to hypertension rather than hypotension.

B) Renin angiotensin mechanism:

Correct. In PKD, the cysts disrupt normal kidney architecture and function, leading to activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Reduced renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) stimulate the release of renin from the juxtaglomerular cells of the kidneys. Renin acts on angiotensinogen to convert it into angiotensin I, which is then converted to angiotensin II by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that increases peripheral vascular resistance, leading to elevated blood pressure. Additionally, angiotensin II stimulates the secretion of aldosterone, which promotes sodium and water retention, further contributing to hypertension.

C) Inflammatory process of bladder mucosa:

This option is not directly related to the pathophysiological process of hypertension in polycystic kidney disease. Flank pain and hematuria in PKD are often associated with cyst rupture or hemorrhage within the cysts rather than an inflammatory process of the bladder mucosa.

D) Mineral precipitation in urine:

Mineral precipitation in urine, such as the formation of kidney stones, can occur in polycystic kidney disease but is not directly associated with hypertension. Kidney stones may contribute to flank pain and hematuria but do not typically cause systemic hypertension.

A. Provide pressure over the biopsy site. B. Keep the client from aspirating. C. Lessen the amount of post procedure pain D. Facilitate pulmonary expansion

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Provide pressure over the biopsy site:

Positioning the client on the right side after a liver biopsy is aimed at providing pressure over the biopsy site. This pressure helps in promoting hemostasis by compressing the blood vessels at the biopsy site, thus reducing the risk of bleeding or hematoma formation. The liver is located on the right side of the body, so positioning the client on the right side applies pressure directly over the liver, aiding in the prevention of bleeding complications.

B. Keep the client from aspirating:

Positioning the client on the right side after a liver biopsy is not primarily aimed at preventing aspiration. Aspiration precautions are typically implemented during procedures where there is a risk of regurgitation or vomiting, such as during anesthesia induction or recovery, rather than specifically after a liver biopsy.

C. Lessen the amount of post-procedure pain:

While positioning can play a role in managing post-procedure pain, the primary reason for positioning the client on the right side after a liver biopsy is to provide pressure over the biopsy site to promote hemostasis. Pain management strategies such as administering analgesics may be utilized to address any discomfort experienced by the client post-procedure.

D. Facilitate pulmonary expansion:

Positioning the client on the right side after a liver biopsy does not directly facilitate pulmonary expansion. Facilitating pulmonary expansion is typically achieved through interventions such as deep breathing exercises, incentive spirometry, and early ambulation rather than positioning alone.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a client who is admitted with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), flank pain, and hematuria. The client's blood pressure is 180/100 mm Hg. Which pathophysiological process supports the client's blood pressure finding?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client received midazolam 2 mg and morphine sulfate 4 mg for a liver biopsy. After the procedure, the nurse positions the client on the right side and monitors the vital signs. Which is the physiological reason for the nurse's intervention?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is preparing a female client with Addison's disease for self-care afi.4 discharge. Which is the pathophysiological basis to support the need for the client to carry a cortisol kit at all times?

During an interview with a male client who has Parkinson's disease (PD), the nurse notices that he is drooling and mumbling. Which pathophysiological factor contributes to the client's inability to express himself?

In caring for an infant after circumcision, the nurse observes continued bleeding from the site and suspects hemophilia. Which hematological components are insufficient causing bleeding if hemophilia is present?

The nurse is caring for a client who experienced multiple invasive trauma from a motor vehicle collision and has developed systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Which pathophysiological process is most likely associated with the development of SIRS in this client?

A client with end stage emphysema is experiencing poor gas exchange. Which respiratory structure is associated with the pathophysiological processes in emphysema?

The nurse assesses the wound of a client who received sutures for a laceration of the hand two days ago. Which finding is a normal inflammatory response?