A nurse is caring for a client 1 day postoperative who has developed atelectasis. Which of the following manifestations is an expected finding for this condition?
Hypoxemia
Apnea
Pleural effusion
Dysphagia
The Correct Answer is A
A) Hypoxemia:
This is the correct answer. Atelectasis, which is the collapse or incomplete inflation of the lung, can lead to impaired gas exchange and subsequent hypoxemia. As lung volume decreases due to collapse, ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch occurs, resulting in decreased oxygenation of arterial blood. Hypoxemia is a common finding in individuals with atelectasis and may manifest as decreased oxygen saturation levels on pulse oximetry or arterial blood gas analysis.
B) Apnea:
Apnea, defined as the cessation of breathing, is not typically associated with atelectasis. While atelectasis can contribute to respiratory compromise and may result in respiratory distress, including tachypnea or increased work of breathing, it does not usually lead to complete cessation of breathing.
C) Pleural effusion:
A pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space surrounding the lungs. While pleural effusion may occur concurrently with atelectasis, it is not an expected finding specifically associated with atelectasis itself. Pleural effusion may cause respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea or chest pain but is not a primary manifestation of atelectasis.
D) Dysphagia:
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is unrelated to atelectasis. While dysphagia can occur as a result of various conditions affecting the esophagus or neurological control of swallowing, it is not a typical manifestation of atelectasis. Atelectasis primarily affects the lungs and respiratory function rather than swallowing function.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) The parasympathetic nervous system:
This is the correct answer. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for regulating rest and digestion. It controls activities such as increased gastric motility, secretion of digestive enzymes, and relaxation of sphincters in the gastrointestinal tract. Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system promotes digestion and absorption of nutrients by increasing gastrointestinal activity.
B) The limbic system:
The limbic system is primarily involved in emotions, behavior, and long-term memory formation. While emotions can influence gastrointestinal function, including appetite and digestion, the limbic system itself does not directly control gastric motility and digestion.
C) The central nervous system:
The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord and plays a vital role in integrating and coordinating all body activities. While it indirectly influences gastrointestinal function through autonomic nervous system control, it is not the primary regulator of gastric motility and digestion.
D) The sympathetic nervous system:
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body's fight or flight response, which involves activities such as increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and redirecting blood flow away from the digestive organs to skeletal muscles during times of stress or arousal. It typically inhibits digestive processes, including gastric motility, to conserve energy for immediate survival needs.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) STAT administration of atropine:
This is the correct answer. Atropine is a cholinergic antagonist that can increase heart rate by blocking the action of acetylcholine on cardiac muscarinic receptors. In cases of severe bradycardia, especially if associated with symptoms such as dizziness, syncope, or hypotension, atropine is often administered to increase heart rate and improve cardiac output. The dose of atropine and frequency of administration depend on the severity of bradycardia and the clinical response.
B) Administration of activated charcoal:
Activated charcoal is used in cases of overdose or poisoning to absorb ingested toxins and prevent their absorption into the bloodstream. However, in this scenario, where the primary concern is bradycardia resulting from cholinesterase inhibitor (donepezil) toxicity, activated charcoal would not be effective in reversing the bradycardic effects of the medication.
C) Hemodialysis:
Hemodialysis is a renal replacement therapy used to remove toxins and waste products from the blood in individuals with kidney failure. While hemodialysis may be indicated in cases of severe drug overdose or poisoning to enhance toxin elimination, it is not typically used as a first-line intervention for bradycardia associated with cholinesterase inhibitor toxicity.
D) Intravenous administration of pseudoephedrine:
Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic drug that acts as a vasoconstrictor and can increase heart rate and blood pressure. While it may be used to treat bradycardia in some cases, such as severe symptomatic bradycardia unresponsive to atropine, it is not the first-line treatment for cholinesterase inhibitor toxicity-induced bradycardia. Atropine is preferred due to its direct antagonism of muscarinic receptors in the heart.
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