A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is short of breath. When reviewing the client's arterial blood gases (ABGs), which of the following conditions should the nurse anticipate the client to be experiencing?
Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
The Correct Answer is A
A. Respiratory acidosis: COPD often results in impaired gas exchange and decreased removal of carbon dioxide, leading to its accumulation in the blood. This results in respiratory acidosis, characterized by elevated PaCO2 and a decreased pH.
B. Respiratory alkalosis: This condition is generally associated with hyperventilation, where excessive loss of carbon dioxide leads to a higher blood pH. It is less common in COPD, where hypoventilation is more typical.
C. Metabolic acidosis: While COPD can sometimes lead to metabolic acidosis, it is not the primary condition associated with the disease. Metabolic acidosis usually results from conditions affecting the kidneys or metabolic processes.
D. Metabolic alkalosis: This is characterized by an increased blood pH due to a loss of acid or an excess of bicarbonate. It is not typically associated with COPD.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.": This statement accurately describes diffusion. Molecules move down their concentration gradient from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration until equilibrium is reached.
B. "Diffusion is the movement of particles between areas of equal concentrations.": Diffusion does not occur between areas of equal concentration as there is no concentration gradient to drive the movement.
C. "Diffusion is the movement of water from an area of higher concentration of water to an area of lower concentration of water.": This describes osmosis, not diffusion. Osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane.
D. "Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of lower concentration of particles to an area of higher concentration of particles.": This is incorrect as diffusion occurs from higher to lower concentration, not the reverse.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Dyspnea: Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing is a hallmark symptom of COPD, commonly reported by patients.
B. Chronic cough: A persistent cough, often productive, is a common manifestation of COPD, reflecting the chronic inflammation and irritation of the airways.
C. Wheezing: Wheezing, a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing, is often present in COPD due to airway narrowing and obstruction.
D. Sputum production: Increased production of sputum (mucus) is typical in COPD, as the chronic inflammation leads to mucus hypersecretion.
E. Chest tightness: While chest tightness can occur in COPD, it is less common compared to the more prominent symptoms of dyspnea, chronic cough, wheezing, and sputum production.
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