A client is hyperventilating due to an acute psychologic stressor. The arterial blood gas results show that the client is in respiratory alkalosis. What is the nurse's initial intervention?

Administer an intravenous sedative

Assess the client for seizure activity

Assist the client in slowed breathing techniques

Check the client's blood pressure

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

C. Assisting the client in slowed breathing techniques is the most appropriate initial intervention for a client experiencing hyperventilation due to acute psychological stress. Slowed breathing techniques, such as pursed-lip breathing or diaphragmatic breathing, can help normalize respiratory rate and depth, thereby correcting the respiratory alkalosis. Encouraging the client to breathe slowly and deeply can help reduce the respiratory rate and restore a more balanced acid-base status.
A. Administering a sedative may not be the initial intervention for a client experiencing hyperventilation due to acute psychological stress. Sedatives can depress the respiratory drive further and may exacerbate respiratory alkalosis. Additionally, administering sedatives should be based on a comprehensive assessment and medical prescription, rather than as a first-line intervention for hyperventilation.
B. While hyperventilation can sometimes lead to symptoms resembling seizure activity (such as muscle twitching or numbness), assessing for seizure activity is not typically the initial intervention for respiratory alkalosis. In the context of acute psychological stress causing hyperventilation, addressing the hyperventilation itself is the priority.
D. While monitoring vital signs, including blood pressure, is important in assessing the client's overall condition, it is not the initial intervention specifically for addressing respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation. The priority in this situation is to address the hyperventilation itself through appropriate breathing techniques.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

B. Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees is the recommended position for administering enteral feeding to reduce the risk of aspiration. This semi-upright position helps promote gastric emptying and reduces the likelihood of reflux or regurgitation of the feed into the lungs. It also allows for better tolerance of the feeding and minimizes the risk of complications.
A. Positioning the client on the left side with the knees bent is not typically recommended for enteral feeding. This position may increase the risk of aspiration, especially if the client has impaired swallowing or if there are issues with gastric emptying. It may also not be the most comfortable or practical position for administering enteral feeding.
C. Positioning the client on the right side with a pillow behind the back is not a standard practice for administering enteral feeding. This position may not provide optimal access for administering the feed, and it does not offer the benefits of head elevation to reduce the risk of aspiration.

D. Elevating the head of the bed to only 15 degrees may not provide sufficient upright positioning to reduce the risk of aspiration during enteral feeding. While it is better than lying completely flat, a higher degree of elevation (30-45 degrees) is generally recommended for optimal safety and effectiveness of enteral feeding.

A. Decompressing the stomach B. Administering medications C. Determining the pH of the gastric secretions D. Supplying nutrients via tube feedings

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. One of the primary purposes of inserting an NG tube is to decompress the stomach by removing gastric contents. In the case of abdominal distention and severe vomiting, excess gas and fluid accumulation in the stomach can contribute to discomfort and further vomiting. The NG tube provides a way to suction out these contents, relieving pressure and reducing symptoms.
B. NG tubes can also be used to administer medications directly into the stomach. This route is particularly useful when a client is unable to take medications orally due to vomiting or other gastrointestinal issues. Medications can be crushed and dissolved in liquid form before being administered through the NG tube.
C. In some situations, such as when assessing for gastrointestinal bleeding or checking for tube placement, it may be necessary to determine the pH of gastric secretions. Gastric aspirate obtained through the NG tube can be tested for acidity, which can help confirm that the tube is correctly positioned in the stomach and provide information about the client's digestive function.
D. While NG tubes can be used to supply nutrients via tube feedings, this is not typically the primary rationale for their use in the acute situation described (abdominal distention and severe vomiting). However, in cases where a client is unable to tolerate oral intake due to their condition, tube feedings can be administered through the NG tube to provide essential nutrients and maintain nutritional status.

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A client is hyperventilating due to an acute psychologic stressor. The arterial blood gas results show that the client is in respiratory alkalosis. What is the nurse's initial intervention?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is about to administer a bolus enteral feeding to a client who is on bedrest. How does the nurse position the client during the feeding?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The client experiencing abdominal distention and severe vomiting has just had a nasogastric (NG) tube inserted. When teaching this client, which rationale for the use of the NG tube should the nurse include?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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