A nurse is assessing a client who has acute kidney failure and is in a state of metabolic acidosis. The nurse should monitor for which of the following manifestations?
Bounding peripheral pulses
Hyperreflexia
Cool skin
Hypotension
The Correct Answer is D
A) Bounding peripheral pulses: Metabolic acidosis typically does not cause bounding peripheral pulses. In metabolic acidosis, vasodilation might occur, but it usually leads to weaker, not bounding, pulses due to decreased cardiac output and blood pressure.
B) Hyperreflexia: Hyperreflexia is not commonly associated with metabolic acidosis. Instead, metabolic acidosis may cause symptoms like muscle weakness or fatigue due to the effect of acid-base imbalance on neuromuscular function.
C) Cool skin: While cool skin can sometimes be associated with poor perfusion in severe cases, it is not a direct manifestation of metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis more commonly affects internal physiology rather than peripheral skin temperature directly.
D) Hypotension: Hypotension is a common manifestation of metabolic acidosis. The acidosis leads to vasodilation and decreased cardiac contractility, resulting in a drop in blood pressure. This is a critical sign for the nurse to monitor as it indicates the severity of the acid-base imbalance and its effect on the cardiovascular system.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Fever: Myxedema coma is characterized by hypothermia rather than fever. The client with myxedema coma may experience a lowered body temperature, reflecting the severe hypothyroidism associated with this condition.
B) Hypernatremia: Hypernatremia, or elevated sodium levels, is a common finding in myxedema coma. This occurs due to impaired renal function and decreased aldosterone levels, leading to an imbalance in electrolytes, including sodium.
C) Hypertension: Typically, myxedema coma presents with hypotension rather than hypertension. The condition is associated with decreased cardiac output and low blood pressure, not elevated blood pressure.
D) Hypoglycemia: In myxedema coma, hypoglycemia is not typically expected. Instead, patients may experience hypoglycemia due to reduced metabolic rate and decreased glycogen stores. However, hyperglycemia is more commonly observed in other endocrine disorders, not specifically in myxedema coma.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Check skin temperature distal to the injury with the dorsum of the hand.: Assessing skin temperature distal to the injury is an important part of evaluating neurovascular status. It helps to identify any changes in circulation or potential complications like ischemia. The dorsum of the hand is commonly used as it provides a good comparison to the temperature of the affected extremity.
B. Press the heel of the foot to determine capillary refill.: While capillary refill is an important assessment, it is usually measured by pressing the nail beds or pads of the fingers and toes, not by pressing the heel. This method does not provide a reliable indication of neurovascular status.
C. Monitor sensation by palpating the pad of the great toe with a blunt needle.: While assessing sensation is important, it is typically done using a light touch or pinprick, rather than palpating with a blunt needle. The use of a needle is not standard practice for this type of assessment.
D. Compare the color of the skin proximal to the injury with the other extremity.: Comparing the skin color distal to the injury with the unaffected extremity is more relevant for evaluating neurovascular status. Proximal comparison is less effective in assessing circulation and potential issues related to the injury.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.