Which of the following is not a cause of respiratory acidosis?
Hyperventilation.
Asthma.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Pulmonary Emboli.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Hyperventilation is a condition characterized by rapid and deep breathing, leading to excessive removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body. This decrease in CO2 levels actually causes respiratory alkalosis, not respiratory acidosis.
CO2 is a weak acid, and its removal from the blood raises the blood pH, making it more alkaline. Key mechanisms involved in hyperventilation-induced respiratory alkalosis:
Increased alveolar ventilation: Hyperventilation increases the rate at which CO2 is expelled from the lungs, reducing its concentration in the blood.
Shift in the equilibrium of the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system: The reduction in CO2 levels drives the equilibrium towards the formation of bicarbonate ions, further reducing the concentration of hydrogen ions and increasing pH.
Renal compensation: The kidneys respond to respiratory alkalosis by excreting more bicarbonate ions, which helps to normalize the blood pH.
Choice B rationale:
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This can lead to impaired ventilation and retention of CO2, which can contribute to respiratory acidosis.
Mechanisms by which asthma can cause respiratory acidosis:
Bronchoconstriction: Narrowed airways impede airflow, making it difficult to expel CO2 from the lungs.
Air trapping: Inflammation and mucus production can lead to air becoming trapped in the lungs, further increasing CO2 levels.
Hypoventilation: Severe asthma attacks can cause respiratory muscle fatigue, leading to a decrease in breathing rate and inadequate CO2 removal.
Choice C rationale:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases characterized by chronic obstruction of airflow. This obstruction can lead to impaired ventilation and retention of CO2, which can contribute to respiratory acidosis.
Mechanisms by which COPD can cause respiratory acidosis:
Emphysema: Destruction of lung tissue reduces the surface area available for gas exchange, making it difficult to expel CO2. Chronic bronchitis: Inflammation and mucus production in the airways can obstruct airflow and trap CO2 in the lungs.
Hypoventilation: COPD can lead to respiratory muscle fatigue and a decrease in breathing rate, further impairing CO2 removal.
Choice D rationale:
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage of an artery in the lungs, usually by a blood clot. This can lead to impaired gas exchange and a decrease in oxygen levels in the blood. In severe cases, PE can also cause respiratory acidosis due to inadequate CO2 removal.
Mechanisms by which PE can cause respiratory acidosis:
Ventilation-perfusion mismatch: PE obstructs blood flow to a portion of the lungs, reducing the amount of CO2 that can be removed from those areas.
Hypoxemia: Low oxygen levels in the blood can stimulate the respiratory drive, leading to hyperventilation and CO2 retention.
Right heart failure: PE can strain the right side of the heart, leading to decreased pulmonary blood flow and impaired CO2 removal.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Assessing the patient's adherence to the drug regimen is the most crucial first step in this situation. Here's a comprehensive explanation:
1. Significance of Adherence in HIV Treatment:
Viral Suppression and Disease Progression: Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is paramount in HIV management. It directly impacts viral suppression, preventing disease progression, and reducing the risk of opportunistic infections and complications. Non-adherence can lead to viral rebound, increased viral load, and potential disease advancement.
Primary Cause of Treatment Failure: Suboptimal adherence is the leading cause of treatment failure in HIV patients. It can result in:
Reduced effectiveness of ART Development of drug resistance Increased healthcare costs Increased risk of transmission
2. Rationale for Prioritizing Adherence Assessment:
Direct Link to Viral Load and Health Status: A sudden decline in health status and a significant increase in viral load strongly suggest potential non-adherence. Assessing adherence early on can:
Identify the root cause of the clinical deterioration
Inform timely interventions to address adherence barriers Prevent further complications
3. Assessing Adherence Thoroughly:
Non-Judgmental Approach: Creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment is essential for honest and accurate assessment.
Open-Ended Questions: Utilize open-ended questions to explore potential challenges and barriers to adherence, such as: Difficulties with medication schedules
Side effects Financial constraints Forgetfulness
Mental health concerns Substance abuse
Lack of social support
Objective Measures: Complement patient reports with objective measures like:
Pill counts
Pharmacy refill records
Medication Event Monitoring Systems (MEMS)
4. Addressing Adherence Barriers:
Tailored Interventions: Based on the assessment findings, develop individualized strategies to enhance adherence, such as: Simplifying medication regimens
Addressing side effects
Providing medication reminders
Offering counseling and support services
Connecting patients with resources
5. Reassessing and Monitoring:
Continuous Evaluation: Regularly reassess adherence and viral load to ensure treatment effectiveness and make adjustments as needed.
Conclusion:
While other options (B, C, D) may provide valuable information, prioritizing adherence assessment is critical to promptly identify and address potential adherence issues, optimize treatment outcomes, and prevent further health decline in HIV patients experiencing viral rebound.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that suppresses the body's natural production of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that is essential for life, and it plays a role in many important bodily functions, including:
Regulating blood sugar levels Maintaining blood pressure Reducing inflammation Responding to stress
When a person takes prednisone for a long period of time, their body begins to rely on the medication to provide cortisol. If the medication is stopped suddenly, the body cannot produce enough cortisol on its own, which can lead to a life-threatening condition called adrenal insufficiency.
Adrenal insufficiency can cause a variety of symptoms, including: Extreme fatigue
Weakness Dizziness Nausea Vomiting Abdominal pain Confusion
Loss of consciousness
To prevent adrenal insufficiency, it is important to taper off prednisone slowly over a period of time. This allows the body to gradually adjust to producing cortisol on its own.
Here are some additional details about why prednisone should never be discontinued abruptly: The risk of adrenal insufficiency is highest when prednisone has been taken for more than 3 weeks. The longer a person has been taking prednisone, the slower the taper should be.
It is important to follow the tapering instructions provided by the healthcare provider.
If a person experiences any symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, they should seek medical attention immediately.
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