Nursing Elites

1. A nurse admitting a patient with a history of emphysema reviews her past lab reports and notes that the patient's PaCO2 has been 56 to 64 mmHg. The nurse will be cautious administering oxygen because:

• A. The patient's calcium will rise dramatically due to pituitary stimulation.
• B. The oxygen will increase the patient's intracranial pressure and create confusion.
• C. The oxygen may cause the patient to hyperventilate and become acidotic.
• D. Using oxygen may result in the patient developing carbon dioxide narcosis and hypoxemia.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When PaCO2 chronically exceeds 50 mm Hg, it creates insensitivity to CO2 in the respiratory medulla, and the use of oxygen may result in the patient developing carbon dioxide narcosis and hypoxemia. Choice A is incorrect because administering oxygen does not lead to a dramatic rise in calcium due to pituitary stimulation. Choice B is incorrect because administering oxygen does not directly increase intracranial pressure or create confusion. Choice C is incorrect because administering oxygen to a patient with emphysema and high PaCO2 levels is more likely to cause respiratory depression than hyperventilation and acidosis.

2. After providing discharge teaching, a nurse assesses the clients understanding regarding increased risk for metabolic alkalosis. Which statement indicates the client needs additional teaching?

• A. . I dont drink milk because it gives me gas and diarrhea
• B. I have been taking digoxin every day for the last 15 years
• C. . I take sodium bicarbonate after every meal to prevent heartburn
• D. In hot weather, I sweat so much that I drink six glasses of water each day.

Correct answer: C

Rationale:

3. You are working on a burns unit, and one of your acutely ill patients is exhibiting signs and symptoms of third spacing. Based on this change in status, you should expect the patient to exhibit signs and symptoms of what imbalance?

• A. Metabolic alkalosis
• B. Hypermagnesemia
• C. Hypercalcemia
• D. Hypovolemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a patient exhibits signs and symptoms of third-spacing, where fluid moves out of the intravascular space but not into the intracellular space, hypovolemia is expected. This leads to a decreased circulating blood volume. Increased calcium and magnesium levels are not typically associated with third-spacing fluid shift. Burns usually result in acidosis rather than alkalosis, making metabolic alkalosis an incorrect choice. Therefore, hypovolemia is the correct answer in this scenario.

4. The ICU nurse is caring for a patient who experienced trauma in a workplace accident. The patient is complaining of having trouble breathing with abdominal pain. An ABG reveals the following results: pH 7.28, PaCO2 50 mm Hg, HCO3 23 mEq/L. The nurse should recognize the likelihood of what acidbase disorder?

• A. Respiratory acidosis
• B. Metabolic alkalosis
• C. Respiratory alkalosis
• D. Mixed acidbase disorder

Correct answer: D

Rationale:

5. When considering overhydration:

• A. occurs less often than dehydration.
• B. can strain the kidneys.
• C. can be caused by giving intravenous fluids too rapidly.
• D. less common than dehydration.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Overhydration can occur when intravenous fluids are administered too quickly, overwhelming the body's ability to excrete the excess fluid. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect because overhydration is less common than dehydration. Choice B is incorrect because while overhydration can strain the kidneys, it is not due to the burden being too heavy. Choice D is incorrect because dehydration is more common than overhydration.

Similar Questions