A nurse is assessing a patient who has respiratory alkalosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Diarrhea
Hyperventilation
Abdominal pain
Dry skin
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Diarrhea is not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis. It is more commonly related to gastrointestinal issues.
Choice B reason: Hyperventilation is a common finding in respiratory alkalosis. It occurs when a person breathes rapidly and deeply, expelling too much carbon dioxide from the body, which raises the pH of the blood.
Choice C reason: Abdominal pain is not a specific finding related to respiratory alkalosis and can be associated with a variety of health issues.
Choice D reason: Dry skin is not directly related to respiratory alkalosis. While it can be a symptom of various conditions, it does not specifically indicate this type of acid-base imbalance.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a normal or low HCO3. In this case, the pH is 7.25, which is below the normal range of 7.35-7.45, and the HCO3 is 22, which is at the lower end of the normal range of 22-26 mEq/L, indicating metabolic acidosis.
Choice B reason: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a high CO2 level. However, in this scenario, the CO2 is 40, which is within the normal range of 35-45 mmHg, ruling out respiratory acidosis.
Choice C reason: Metabolic alkalosis would present with a high pH and a high HCO3 level. Since the pH is low, metabolic alkalosis is not the correct answer.
Choice D reason: Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a low CO2 level and a high pH. Given that the CO2 is normal and the pH is low, respiratory alkalosis is not the condition indicated by these ABG results.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: While opioids can lower blood pressure, it is not as common as respiratory depression.
Choice B reason: Causing drowsiness is a common side effect of opioids, but it is less critical than respiratory effects.
Choice C reason: Opioids do not typically induce a cough; they may actually suppress coughing.
Choice D reason: Opioids can slow the respiratory rate, which is a critical side effect that nurses must monitor for and educate patients about.
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