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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hyperventilation is a common response to respiratory alkalosis as the body tries to compensate for the high pH by exhaling more carbon dioxide.
Choice B reason: Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, may be present but is not as specific as hyperventilation for respiratory alkalosis.
Choice C reason: Abdominal pain is not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis.
Choice D reason: Dizziness can be a symptom of respiratory alkalosis due to changes in blood chemistry, but it is less specific than hyperventilation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Raise the head of the bed.
Choice A rationale:
Increasing the patient’s oral fluid intake is important for hydration and thinning secretions, but it is not the immediate priority when oxygen saturation is critically low.
Choice B rationale:
Raising the head of the bed helps improve lung expansion and facilitates easier breathing, which can quickly improve oxygen saturation levels. This is a critical first step in managing low oxygen saturation.
Choice C rationale:
Initiating humidified oxygen therapy is essential for improving oxygenation, but it should follow the immediate action of raising the head of the bed to optimize breathing.
Choice D rationale:
Encouraging the patient to cough and deep breathe is beneficial for clearing secretions and improving lung function, but it is not the first action to take when oxygen saturation is critically low.
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