A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic respiratory acidosis due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect with this client?
Osteoporosis
Polyuria
Anxiety and depression
Delirium
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Osteoporosis is inappropriate. Chronic respiratory acidosis can lead to osteoporosis over time due to several factors, including chronic hypoxemia, which can affect bone metabolism and lead to bone loss.
Choice B Reason:
Polyuria is inappropriate. Polyuria, or increased urination, is not typically associated with chronic respiratory acidosis. In fact, respiratory acidosis tends to cause retention of bicarbonate ions, which can lead to compensatory metabolic alkalosis and decreased urine output.
Choice C Reason:
Anxiety and depression is inappropriate. Chronic respiratory acidosis can lead to symptoms such as lethargy, confusion, and decreased mental acuity due to the effects of elevated CO2 levels on the central nervous system. While anxiety and depression are not direct consequences of chronic respiratory acidosis, individuals with COPD may experience anxiety and depression as a result of their chronic respiratory condition.
Choice D Reason:
Delirium is correct. Delirium, characterized by an acute change in mental status, confusion, and altered consciousness, can occur in severe cases of chronic respiratory acidosis, especially during acute exacerbations. Elevated CO2 levels can affect brain function and lead to symptoms of delirium.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Higher oxygen saturations of 98% to 99% is inappropriate. A pneumothorax involves the presence of air in the pleural space, which can compromise lung function and gas exchange. This compromised lung function typically leads to decreased oxygenation of the blood, resulting in lower oxygen saturations rather than higher saturations.
Choice B Reason:
Lower oxygen saturations of 93% to 94% is appropriate. A pneumothorax disrupts the normal exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs due to partial or complete lung collapse. As a result, the affected lung is unable to adequately oxygenate the blood, leading to lower oxygen saturations, which are indicative of hypoxemia.
Choice C Reason:
Lower energy expenditure is inappropriate. Energy expenditure is not typically affected by a pneumothorax. While the discomfort and respiratory distress associated with a pneumothorax may cause the individual to limit physical activity, there is no direct impact on overall energy expenditure.
Choice D Reason:
Increased lung capacity is inappropriate. A pneumothorax results in partial or complete collapse of the affected lung, reducing lung capacity rather than increasing it. The presence of air in the pleural space creates positive pressure, which can compress the lung and decrease its ability to expand fully during inhalation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A.Osmotic edema refers to fluid shifts due to changes in osmotic gradients (as seen in conditions like hyponatremia), not the inflammatory process of meningitis.
B.While inflammation is a key part of the body's response in meningitis, the edema is not a result of generalized whole-body inflammation. The edema is more directly linked to local inflammatory reactions in the brain triggered by the pathogen’s by-products.
C.Bacterial cell walls, endotoxins, and other components released by the bacteria directly stimulate inflammation, causing the breakdown of the BBB and allowing fluid and inflammatory cells to leak into the brain tissue.
D.This description is more aligned with the pathophysiology of conditions like hydrocephalus rather than meningitis. In meningitis, cerebral edema is primarily due to the inflammatory response, not abnormal CSF flow.
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