A client reports episode of dyspnea and chest pain unrelated to activity. Which valve disorder does the nurse suspect may be causing these symptoms?
Aortic regurgitation
Mitral valve prolapse
Mitral stenosis
Aortic stenosis
The Correct Answer is D
a. Aortic regurgitation: Aortic regurgitation involves the backflow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole due to a dysfunctional aortic valve. While aortic regurgitation can cause symptoms such as dyspnea and chest pain, they are typically associated with exertion rather than occurring at rest or unrelated to activity.
b. Mitral valve prolapse: Mitral valve prolapse is characterized by the abnormal movement of the mitral valve leaflets into the left atrium during systole. While mitral valve prolapse can lead to symptoms such as palpitations, chest discomfort, and dyspnea, these symptoms are usually not unrelated to activity. They are often precipitated or exacerbated by physical exertion or stress.
c. Mitral stenosis: Mitral stenosis involves narrowing of the mitral valve opening, which obstructs blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. Symptoms of mitral stenosis, such as dyspnea and chest discomfort, typically occur with exertion or during periods of increased cardiac demand rather than being unrelated to activity.
d. Aortic stenosis: Aortic stenosis is characterized by narrowing of the aortic valve opening, which obstructs blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. This obstruction leads to increased pressure in the left ventricle and can cause symptoms such as dyspnea (due to pulmonary congestion) and chest pain (angina) even at rest. These symptoms are often exacerbated during physical activity but can occur spontaneously as well.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a. Metabolic alkalosis: Metabolic alkalosis can occur due to loss of gastric acid through suctioning of gastric contents via the nasogastric tube. Continuous suctioning of gastric contents can lead to loss of hydrogen ions (H+) and chloride ions (Cl-) from the stomach, resulting in metabolic alkalosis.
b. Metabolic acidosis: Metabolic acidosis is less likely in this scenario unless there are other factors contributing to acidosis, such as renal dysfunction or excessive administration of certain medications. Suctioning of gastric contents would lead to loss of acid, which could potentially predispose the client to metabolic alkalosis rather than metabolic acidosis.
c. Respiratory alkalosis: Respiratory alkalosis is less likely to occur in this scenario. Although the client is NPO and may be experiencing some respiratory compensation due to metabolic alkalosis, the primary acid-base disturbance would be metabolic rather than respiratory.
d. Respiratory acidosis: Respiratory acidosis is not typically associated with suctioning of gastric contents. Instead, it occurs due to inadequate alveolar ventilation, leading to retention of carbon dioxide (CO2) and subsequent respiratory acidosis. This imbalance is more commonly seen in conditions such as respiratory depression, neuromuscular disorders, or airway obstruction.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Uncompensated metabolic acidosis: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and a low bicarbonate (HCO3) level (<22 mEq/L). In this ABG, the pH is within the normal range, indicating alkalosis rather than acidosis. Therefore, this interpretation is incorrect.
b. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and an elevated PaCO2 (>45 mmHg). In this ABG, the pH is within the normal range, indicating alkalosis rather than acidosis. Therefore, this interpretation is incorrect.
c. Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and an elevated bicarbonate (HCO3) level (>26 mEq/L). In this ABG, the pH is elevated (7.47), and the bicarbonate level is also elevated (31 mEq/L), indicating metabolic alkalosis. Therefore, this interpretation is correct based on the ABG results.
d. Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis: Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and a low PaCO2 (<35 mmHg). In this ABG, the pH is elevated (7.47), but the PaCO2 is within the normal range (35 mmHg), indicating metabolic alkalosis rather than respiratory alkalosis. Therefore, this interpretation is incorrect.
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