Nursing Elites

1. You are an emergency-room nurse caring for a trauma patient. Your patient has the following arterial blood gas results: pH 7.26, PaCO2 28, HCO3 11 mEq/L. How would you interpret these results?

• A. Respiratory acidosis with no compensation
• B. Metabolic alkalosis with a compensatory alkalosis
• C. Metabolic acidosis with no compensation
• D. Metabolic acidosis with a compensatory respiratory alkalosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A low pH indicates acidosis (normal pH is 7.35 to 7.45). The PaCO2 is also low, which causes alkalosis. The bicarbonate is low, which causes acidosis. The pH bicarbonate more closely corresponds with a decrease in pH, making the metabolic component the primary problem. Therefore, the correct interpretation of the arterial blood gas results is metabolic acidosis with a compensatory respiratory alkalosis. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the primary acid-base disturbance and the compensatory response seen in the given results.

2. 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.

3. .A nurse assesses a clients peripheral IV site, and notices edema and tenderness above the site. Which action should the nurse take next?

• A. Apply cold compresses to the IV site.
• B. Elevate the extremity on a pillow.
• C. Flush the catheter with normal saline.
• D. . Stop the infusion of intravenous fluids.

Correct answer: D

Rationale:

4. The nurse is caring for a patient in metabolic alkalosis. The patient has an NG tube to low intermittent suction for a diagnosis of bowel obstruction. What drug would the nurse expect to find on the medication orders?

• A. Cimetidine
• B. Maalox
• C. Potassium chloride elixir
• D. ) Furosemide

Correct answer: A

Rationale:

5. 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.

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