A client’s ABG results are as follows: pH: 7.16; PaCO2 80 mm Hg; PaO2 46 mm Hg; HCO3- 24 mEq/L; SaO2 81%. This ABG result represents which of the following conditions? A. Metabolic acidosis B. Metabolic alkalosis C. Respiratory acidosis D. Respiratory alkalosis Correct Answer: C. Respiratory… Read More »
At 11 p.m., a male client is admitted to the emergency department. He has a respiratory rate of 44 breaths/minute. He’s anxious, and wheezes are audible. The client is immediately given oxygen by face mask and methylprednisolone (Depo-medrol) I.V. At 11:30 p.m., the client’s arterial blood oxygen saturation is 86% and he’s still wheezing. The… Read More »
A nurse plans care for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, knowing that the client is most likely to experience what type of acid-base imbalance? A. Respiratory acidosis B. Respiratory alkalosis C. Metabolic acidosis D. Metabolic alkalosis Correct Answer: A. Respiratory acidosis Respiratory acidosis is most… Read More »
After undergoing a thoracotomy, a male client is receiving epidural analgesia. Which assessment finding indicates that the client has developed the most serious complication of epidural analgesia? A. Heightened alertness B. Increased heart rate C. Numbness and tingling of the extremities D. Respiratory depression Correct Answer: D.… Read More »
A 7-year-old client is brought to the E.R. He’s tachypneic and afebrile and has a respiratory rate of 36 breaths/minute and a nonproductive cough. He recently had a cold. From his history, the client may have which of the following? A. Acute asthma B. Bronchial pneumonia C. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)… Read More »
A nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube that is attached to low suction. The nurse monitors the client, knowing that the client is at risk for which acid-base disorder? A. Respiratory acidosis B. Respiratory alkalosis C. Metabolic acidosis D. Metabolic alkalosis Correct Answer:… Read More »
A nurse is caring for a client who is on a mechanical ventilator. Blood gas results indicate a pH of 7.50 and a PCO2 of 30 mm Hg. The nurse has determined that the client is experiencing respiratory alkalosis. Which laboratory value would most likely be noted in this condition? A. Sodium level of… Read More »
The nurse in charge formulates a nursing diagnosis of Activity intolerance related to inadequate oxygenation and dyspnea for a client with chronic bronchitis. To minimize this problem, the nurse instructs the client to avoid conditions that increase oxygen demands. Such conditions include: A. Drinking more than 1,500 ml of fluid daily. B. Being… Read More »
Which of the following assessment findings would help confirm a diagnosis of asthma in a client suspected of having the disorder? A. Circumoral cyanosis B. Increased forced expiratory volume C. Inspiratory and expiratory wheezing D. Normal breath sounds Correct Answer: C. Inspiratory and expiratory wheezing Inspiratory and… Read More »
A nurse caring for a client with an ileostomy understands that the client is most at risk for developing which acid-base disorder? A. Respiratory acidosis B. Respiratory alkalosis C. Metabolic acidosis D. Metabolic alkalosis Correct Answer: C. Metabolic acidosis Intestinal secretions are high in bicarbonate and may be lost… Read More »