A nurse is caring for a client who has a pulmonary embolism. The nurse should identify that the release of inflammatory mediators leads to which of the following pathologic findings?
Decreased pulmonary vascular resistance
Hypercapnia
Hypoventilation
Respiratory alkalosis
The Correct Answer is D
Correct answer: D
Choice A Reason:
Decreased pulmonary vascular resistance is incorrect. Inflammatory mediators released in response to a pulmonary embolism can lead to vasoconstriction and increased pulmonary vascular resistance. This is part of the body's response to redirect blood flow away from the affected area of the lung and maintain adequate perfusion to other areas.
Choice B Reason:
Hypercapnia is incorrect. Hypercapnia refers to elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood. Hypocapnia usually is present with embolism; hypercapnia, on the other hand, is rare.
Choice C Reason:
Hypoventilation is incorrect. Hypoventilation occurs when there is inadequate ventilation of the lungs relative to metabolic demands. In the context of a pulmonary embolism, hypoventilation can occur due to factors such as pain, respiratory muscle fatigue, or impaired gas exchange, all of which can be influenced by the release of inflammatory mediators.
Choice D Reason:
Respiratory alkalosis is correct. In response to the blockage and the resulting inflammation, the body often increases the respiratory rate as a compensatory mechanism to maintain adequate oxygen levels and remove carbon dioxide. Due to the increased breathing rate, there is excessive exhalation of carbon dioxide, leading to a decrease in the partial pressure of CO2 in the blood. This results in an increase in blood pH, causing respiratory alkalosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Epithelial cells is correct. Epithelial cells lining the airways play a role in initiating the inflammatory response in asthma by releasing cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. These cells can contribute to the circulatory surge of inflammatory cells and cytokines seen in status asthmaticus.
Choice B Reason:
OT lymphocytes is incorrect. There is no specific cell type known as "OT lymphocytes." It's possible this may refer to T lymphocytes (T cells), which are involved in the immune response in asthma but are not typically associated with a circulatory surge in status asthmaticus.
Choice C Reason:
Hyperreactivity is incorrect. Hyperreactivity refers to the exaggerated response of the airways to various stimuli, leading to bronchoconstriction and inflammation. While hyperreactivity is a characteristic feature of asthma, it does not directly contribute to a circulatory surge of inflammatory cells and cytokines.
Choice D Reason:
Mast cells is correct. Mast cells are key players in the pathophysiology of asthma. They release various inflammatory mediators, including histamine and leukotrienes, which contribute to airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus production. Mast cells can participate in the circulatory surge of inflammatory cells and cytokines in status asthmaticus.
Choice E Reason:
Inflammation is correct. Inflammation is a hallmark feature of asthma and plays a central role in the pathogenesis of status asthmaticus. The inflammatory response involves the recruitment and activation of various inflammatory cells, release of cytokines, and other mediators that contribute to airway obstruction and systemic effects.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Hypertension is not typically associated with heterotopic ossifications. However, it may occur in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) due to autonomic dysreflexia, a condition characterized by an exaggerated sympathetic response to stimuli below the level of injury. Autonomic dysreflexia can lead to a sudden increase in blood pressure, which, if left untreated, can result in complications such as stroke or seizure. However, hypertension is not directly related to heterotopic ossifications.
Choice B Reason:
Bradycardia is also not typically associated with heterotopic ossifications. Like hypertension, bradycardia may occur in individuals with SCI due to autonomic dysreflexia. Autonomic dysreflexia can lead to a sudden increase in blood pressure and a reflex bradycardia in response to the increased sympathetic outflow. However, bradycardia is not directly related to heterotopic ossifications.
Choice C Reason:
Fecal impaction is a potential complication of spinal cord injury (SCI) due to impaired bowel function, but it is not directly related to heterotopic ossifications. SCI can disrupt normal bowel motility and result in neurogenic bowel dysfunction, leading to symptoms such as constipation, fecal impaction, and bowel obstruction. However, fecal impaction is not specific to heterotopic ossifications.
Choice D Reason:
Arthralgia is correct. Heterotopic ossifications (HO) involve the abnormal formation of bone in soft tissues around joints, muscles, tendons, or ligaments. When HO occurs around joints, it can lead to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion, collectively known as arthralgia. Therefore, arthralgia is a common finding associated with heterotopic ossifications in individuals with spinal cord injuries.
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