A client has been placed on a mechanical ventilator. The PCP has ordered the ventilator to be set at a respiratory rate of 28 breaths /min. The nurse questions the order, citing concerns about which acid-base problem?
Base deficit (HCO3): Acidosis
Acid excess (CO2): Acidosis
Base excess (HCO3): Alkalosis
Acid deficit (CO2): Alkalosis
The Correct Answer is B
A. Base deficit (HCO3): Acidosis: A base deficit indicates metabolic acidosis, but respiratory acidosis is more likely with the high rate of ventilation.
B. Acid excess (CO2): Acidosis: This is the correct answer. A high respiratory rate can lead to hyperventilation, decreasing CO2 levels and causing respiratory alkalosis, which may be a concern with an elevated rate.
C. Base excess (HCO3): Alkalosis: This would indicate metabolic alkalosis, but it is not as related to ventilator settings.
D. Acid deficit (CO2): Alkalosis: If the CO2 level is too low due to hyperventilation, this can lead to alkalosis, which the nurse is questioning here.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Sinus rhythm is the normal rhythm of the heart with regular P waves, QRS complexes, and T waves. The presence of a sinus rhythm would mean the heart is pumping blood effectively, so the client would not be pulseless. This is inconsistent with the clinical scenario.
B. Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a fast, regular rhythm originating in the ventricles. VT can lead to pulselessness if not treated, but it has distinct QRS complexes that are wide and regular, unlike the chaotic waveform seen in VF.
C. Ventricular Fibrillation appears as rapid, chaotic electrical activity without identifiable P waves, QRS complexes, or T waves. This rhythm prevents the heart from pumping blood, causing the client to be pulseless and unresponsive. VF is the most common arrhythmia associated with sudden cardiac arrest and requires immediate defibrillation.
D. Sinus tachycardia is a fast heart rate (>100 bpm) with regular rhythm, identifiable P waves, and QRS complexes. This rhythm typically occurs in response to stress, fever, or hypovolemia, and the client would have a pulse, which contradicts the scenario.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Adenosine 6 mg IV push: Adenosine is used for certain supraventricular tachycardias, but immediate cardioversion is the first priority for a client with atrial flutter and chest pain.
B. Immediate cardioversion: This is the correct answer. Immediate cardioversion is indicated for atrial flutter with signs of hemodynamic instability, such as chest pain and shortness of breath.
C. Adenosine 12 mg IV push: Adenosine may be used after the first dose of 6 mg if the initial dose was ineffective, but cardioversion takes precedence for unstable patients.
D. Amiodarone 150 mg bolus followed by a 24-hour drip: Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic used for rate control or rhythm conversion but is not the first step for hemodynamically unstable clients with atrial flutter.
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