A client with a bowel obstruction is experiencing intractable vomiting for the last several hours despite the administration of prescribed antiemetics. The nurse obtains the client's arterial blood gas (ABG) results which identify a pH of 7.50, a PaCO2 of 42 mm Hg, and an HCO3 of 33 me/L (33 mmol/L). The nurse should interpret these results as confirming which acid-base imbalance?

Respiratory acidosis.

Metabolic acidosis.

Metabolic alkalosis.

Respiratory alkalosis.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH and an elevated PaCO2 due to hypoventilation, which results in CO2 retention. The ABG results in this case show a normal PaCO2, making this option incorrect.

Choice B reason: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a low HCO3 due to an accumulation of acids or loss of bicarbonate. The ABG results show a high pH and a high HCO3, which are opposite to the findings of metabolic acidosis.

Choice C reason: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and an elevated HCO3. This condition can result from excessive loss of stomach acid due to vomiting or the use of diuretics. The ABG results show a pH of 7.50 and HCO3 of 33 me/L, both indicative of metabolic alkalosis.

Choice D reason: Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and a low PaCO2 due to hyperventilation, which leads to CO2 loss. The ABG results show a normal PaCO2, ruling out respiratory alkalosis as the correct diagnosis.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Carbidopa-levodopa does not primarily reduce the inflammatory process. Its main action is related to dopamine synthesis and availability.

Choice B reason: Carbidopa-levodopa does not slow scarring in the myelin sheath. This medication targets dopamine deficiency, not myelin health.

Choice C reason: Carbidopa-levodopa increases the amount of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is crucial for motor control. Parkinson's disease is characterized by dopamine deficiency, and this medication helps to replenish dopamine levels, improving muscle function and reducing symptoms like tremors and stiffness.

Choice D reason: Carbidopa-levodopa is not an antiseizure medication. It is specifically used to manage the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease by addressing dopamine deficiency.

A. Haematocrit of 30% (0.30 volume fraction). B. Facial puffiness and periorbital enema. C. Further decline in level of consciousness. D. Cold and dry skin.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: A haematocrit of 30% is below the normal range and indicates anaemia, which is common in hypothyroidism. However, it does not require immediate intervention compared to a decline in consciousness.

Choice B reason: Facial puffiness and periorbital enema are common signs of hypothyroidism but do not require immediate intervention. They are more indicative of chronic, rather than acute, issues.

Choice C reason: A further decline in level of consciousness is critical and warrants immediate action. It can indicate a myxoedema coma, a severe complication of hypothyroidism that is life-threatening and requires urgent treatment.

Choice D reason: Cold and dry skin is a common symptom of hypothyroidism but does not require immediate intervention compared to a decline in consciousness.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When teaching a client with Parkinson's disease, which rationale for the prescription of carbidopa-levodopa should the nurse include?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client who has a history of hypothyroidism was admitted with lethargy and confusion. Which additional finding warrants immediate action by the nurse?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

An older female resident of a long-term care facility with early-stage Alzheimer's disease frequently wanders into the wrong room. To help this client recognize her room, which intervention should the nurse implement?

The nurse is planning discharge teaching for a client who has cystitis. Which information should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

A client with a history of emphysema and heart failure is admitted to the emergency department with enema, coughing, and shortness of breath. The client's laboratory value for brain natriuretic peptide is elevated. Which prescription is most important for the nurse to implement?

In planning care for a client with chronic ulcerative colitis, which long-term goal is most important for the nurse to include?

The nurse is assessing a client who has left ventricular heart failure. Which assessment finding is this client most likely to exhibit?

The nurse is developing a plan of care for a client who reports frequent urination and who is newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Which outcome should the nurse include in the plan of care for this client?

The home health nurse is caring for a client with Parkinson's disease who is beginning to experience swallowing difficulties. Which intervention should the nurse include in this client's plan of care?