A nurse is assessing a patient with respiratory acidosis.
What symptoms should the nurse anticipate?
Numbness in the fingers.
Abdominal pain.
Dry skin.
Lethargy.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Numbness in the fingers is not typically a symptom of respiratory acidosis. This condition is characterized by an excess of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the body, which leads to a decrease in the pH of your blood, making it too acidic. Numbness in the fingers could be a symptom of other conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy or Raynaud’s disease.
Choice B rationale:
Abdominal pain is also not a common symptom of respiratory acidosis. While abdominal discomfort can occur in a variety of conditions, it is not directly associated with the acid-base balance disturbance that characterizes respiratory acidosis.
Conditions that commonly cause abdominal pain include gastrointestinal issues like gastritis, appendicitis, or gallstones.
Choice C rationale:
Dry skin is not a symptom of respiratory acidosis. The skin’s condition can be influenced by many factors, including hydration, environmental conditions, and certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Respiratory acidosis, on the other hand, is a condition that affects the acid-base balance in the body due to alveolar hypoventilation.
Choice D rationale:
Lethargy is indeed a symptom of respiratory acidosis. This condition occurs when the lungs can’t remove enough CO2, leading to an increase in the acidity of the blood. Symptoms of respiratory acidosis vary according to how long you’ve had the condition and its severity. Initial symptoms can include anxiety, blurred vision, and shortness of breath. If left untreated or in severe cases, symptoms may include fatigue, lethargy, delirium, or confusion. Therefore, a nurse assessing a patient with respiratory acidosis should anticipate lethargy among other symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Donning sterile gloves before inserting the indwelling urinary catheter is a standard practice in healthcare to prevent infection. The urinary tract is normally sterile, and the use of sterile gloves helps maintain this sterility during the catheter insertion process. Choice B rationale:
Oil-based lubricants should not be used with indwelling urinary catheters. These lubricants can damage the catheter material and increase the risk of infection. Instead, water-soluble lubricants are recommended as they do not damage the catheter and can reduce patient discomfort during the insertion process.
Choice C rationale:
Testing the balloon on the indwelling urinary catheter before insertion is a critical step. This is done to ensure that the balloon inflates and deflates properly. If the balloon does not function correctly, it could cause discomfort or injury to the patient during insertion and could fail to keep the catheter in place once inserted.
Choice D rationale:
Cleaning the patient’s urinary meatus with one cotton swab is a part of the standard procedure before inserting an indwelling urinary catheter. This step is taken to remove any bacteria present at the site of insertion, thereby reducing the risk of introducing bacteria into the bladder during the catheter insertion.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C.
Choice A rationale:
The nurse applies the sterile drape after cleaning the perineal area. This is correct because the perineal area should be cleaned before applying the sterile drape. Applying the drape first could potentially introduce bacteria to the catheter during insertion, increasing the risk of a urinary tract infection.
Choice B rationale:
The nurse lubricates the indwelling urinary catheter. This is a correct procedure as it helps to minimize discomfort and trauma during catheter insertion.
Choice C rationale:
The nurse separates the patient’s labia with her dominant hand. This is also a correct procedure. The nurse should use her non-dominant hand to separate the labia and expose the urethral meatus, and then use her dominant hand to insert the catheter.
Choice D rationale:
The nurse provides perineal care prior to inserting the urinary catheter. This is a correct procedure. Providing perineal care before inserting a urinary catheter is important to reduce the risk of introducing bacteria into the urinary tract. It’s part of maintaining strict aseptic technique during insertion.
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.