A nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department (ED) who has high anxiety and shallow respirations at a rate of 30/min. Which of the following acid-base disturbances is the client most likely experiencing?
Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
The Correct Answer is B
A. Respiratory acidosis occurs due to hypoventilation, resulting in carbon dioxide retention. This condition is characterized by slow, shallow breathing and confusion, which is not consistent with the client's rapid respiratory rate of 30/min.
B. Respiratory alkalosis is typically caused by hyperventilation, where excessive breathing leads to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels. The client's symptoms of high anxiety and rapid, shallow respirations are indicative of hyperventilation, making respiratory alkalosis the most likely diagnosis.
C. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by deep, rapid breathing (Kussmaul respirations) as the body attempts to expel excess acid. The client's shallow respirations are inconsistent with the breathing pattern seen in metabolic acidosis.
D. Metabolic alkalosis usually presents with symptoms such as dizziness and tingling, often with compensatory slow respirations. The rapid respiratory rate in this case does not suggest metabolic alkalosis, making this option unlikely.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Bronchospasm occurs when there is inflammation, edema, and excess mucus: Bronchospasm in asthma is characterized by inflammation of the airways, edema of the airway walls, and increased mucus production, leading to constriction and obstruction of the airways.
B. Decreased mucus production contributes to airway constriction: In asthma, bronchospasm is associated with increased mucus production, not decreased. Excess mucus contributes to airway obstruction.
C. Inflammation is reduced due to airway diameter: Inflammation typically increases airway constriction rather than reducing it. The narrowed airway diameter is a result of inflammation, not a reduction in inflammation.
D. Airway obstruction occurs due to thinning mucus: Airway obstruction in asthma is due to thick, tenacious mucus, not thinning mucus. The mucus contributes to the blockage of the airways.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Smoking tobacco: Tobacco smoking is the most common risk factor for emphysema. Smoking leads to chronic inflammation and damage to the alveoli, which are key characteristics of emphysema.
B. Asthma: Although asthma can contribute to chronic respiratory issues, it is not the most common risk factor for emphysema. Emphysema is primarily linked to smoking rather than asthma.
C. Between 20 to 30 years of age: Emphysema is more commonly associated with older age, typically developing over many years of exposure to risk factors such as smoking. It is not primarily linked to being in the 20 to 30 age range.
D. Pollution: While air pollution can contribute to respiratory diseases, smoking is the most significant risk factor for emphysema. Pollution alone is less commonly the primary cause.
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