When admitting a patient with possible respiratory failure and a high PaCO2, which assessment information should be immediately reported to the health care provider?

The patient's blood pressure is 164/98.

The patient appears somnolent.

The patient's oxygen saturation is 90%.

The patient reports feeling weak.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

B Somnolence, or excessive sleepiness, can indicate respiratory depression, hypercapnia (elevated PaCO2), or impending respiratory failure. Somnolence in this context is concerning as it may suggest worsening respiratory status and impending respiratory compromise. Therefore, it should be immediately reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention.

A blood pressure of 164/98 mmHg is elevated but may not necessarily require immediate intervention, especially if the patient is not exhibiting signs of acute hypertensive crisis or end-organ damage.

However, it should be closely monitored and managed as appropriate. While hypertension may contribute to respiratory distress, it may not be the most critical finding to report immediately in a patient with possible respiratory failure and a high PaCO2.

C An oxygen saturation of 90% indicates hypoxemia, which can exacerbate respiratory failure and contribute to respiratory distress. While hypoxemia requires prompt intervention to improve oxygenation, it may not be the most critical finding to report immediately if the patient is not showing signs of severe respiratory distress or impending respiratory failure. However, it should be closely monitored and managed to prevent further deterioration.

D Weakness is a nonspecific symptom and may be related to various underlying causes, including respiratory failure, electrolyte imbalances, or systemic illness. While weakness warrants further assessment and management, it may not be the most urgent finding to report immediately in a patient with possible respiratory failure and a high PaCO2 unless it is accompanied by other concerning symptoms or signs of impending respiratory compromise.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

C. This allows for the patient's condition to be re-evaluated, ensuring that they receive the necessary care and attention before being transferred.

A. Benzodiazepines can cause sedation, cognitive impairment, and delirium, which may worsen the patient's condition. Canceling the transfer without addressing the underlying cause of confusion may delay appropriate management.

B. Restraints can increase agitation, anxiety, and risk of injury, and they do not address the underlying cause of confusion. Restraints should only be considered as a last resort if all other measures to ensure patient safety have been exhausted.

D. This option is not appropriate because transferring the patient without addressing the new-onset confusion could compromise patient safety. It's essential to identify and manage the underlying cause of confusion before transferring the patient to another unit.

A. Metabolic alkalosis B. Respiratory alkalosis C. Respiratory acidosis D. Metabolic acidosis

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

C. Respiratory acidosis- The pH is acidic, and the PaCO2 is elevated, indicating respiratory acidosis. The client's hypoventilation (respiratory rate of 7/min) is causing retention of carbon dioxide, leading to respiratory acidosis.
A. Metabolic alkalosis- The ABG values do not support a diagnosis of metabolic alkalosis. The pH is acidic, and the base excess is negative, indicating a mild metabolic acidosis.
B. Respiratory alkalosis- The ABG values do not support a diagnosis of respiratory alkalosis. The pH is acidic, and the PaCO2 is elevated, indicating respiratory acidosis rather than alkalosis.
D. Metabolic acidosis- While there is evidence of a mild metabolic acidosis indicated by the negative base excess, the primary disturbance in this case is respiratory acidosis, as evidenced by the low pH and elevated PaCO2.

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When admitting a patient with possible respiratory failure and a high PaCO2, which assessment information should be immediately reported to the health care provider?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

An 81-yr-old patient who has been in the intensive care unit (ICU) for a week is now stable and transfer to the progressive care unit is planned. On rounds, the nurse notices that the patient has new onset confusion. What should the nurse plan to do?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client is admitted to the emergency room with a respiratory rate of 7/min. Arterial blood gases (ABG) reveal the following values. Which of the following is an appropriate analysis of the ABGS? pH 7.22 PaCO2 68 mm Hg Base excess-2 PaO2 78 mm Hg Saturation 80% Bicarbonate 26 mEq/L

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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When admitting a patient with possible respiratory failure and a high PaCO2, which assessment information should be immediately reported to the health care provider?