A nurse is caring for a client who has metabolic alkalosis due to prolonged vomiting. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason:

Administering antiemetics as prescribed is an intervention that the nurse should implement for a client who has metabolic alkalosis due to prolonged vomiting. Antiemetics are medications that can prevent or treat nausea and vomiting, which are the main causes of metabolic alkalosis in this case. By stopping vomiting, antiemetics can help prevent further loss of gastric acid and bicarbonate retention, which can correct metabolic alkalosis.

Choice B reason:

Monitoring serum potassium levels is an intervention that the nurse should implement for a client who has metabolic alkalosis due to prolonged vomiting. Metabolic alkalosis can cause hypokalemia due to increased renal excretion of potassium and intracellular shift of potassium in exchange for hydrogen ions. Hypokalemia can worsen metabolic alkalosis by impairing renal acid excretion and increasing bicarbonate reabsorption. The nurse should monitor serum potassium levels regularly and report any abnormalities or signs of hypokalemia, such as muscle weakness, cramps, arrhythmias, or ECG changes.

Choice C reason:

Administering sodium bicarbonate IV as prescribed is not an intervention that the nurse should implement for a client who has metabolic alkalosis due to prolonged vomiting. Sodium bicarbonate is an alkalinizing agent that can increase serum bicarbonate levels and pH, which can worsen metabolic alkalosis. Sodium bicarbonate IV should be avoided or used with caution in clients who have metabolic alkalosis, unless they have severe acid-base imbalance or coexisting metabolic acidosis.

Choice D reason:

Encouraging intake of acidic foods and beverages is not an intervention that the nurse should implement for a client who has metabolic alkalosis due to prolonged vomiting. Acidic foods and beverages can lower the pH of the stomach, but they have little effect on the pH of the blood or urine, which are regulated by other mechanisms such as buffers, lungs, and kidneys. Acidic foods and beverages can also irritate the gastric mucosa and trigger more vomiting, which can aggravate metabolic alkalosis.

Choice E reason:

Providing supplemental oxygen as needed is an intervention that the nurse should implement for a client who has metabolic alkalosis due to prolonged vomiting. Metabolic alkalosis can cause respiratory compensation by decreasing the respiratory rate and depth, which can lead to hypoxemia and hypercapnia. Supplemental oxygen can help maintain adequate oxygenation and prevent tissue hypoxia and organ damage. The nurse should monitor the client's oxygen saturation and arterial blood gas levels and adjust the oxygen therapy accordingly.

Choice A reason:

Applying a moist dressing to the wound provides a moist environment for wound healing and protects the wound from contamination and trauma. Moisture prevents dehydration and necrosis of the wound bed and promotes cell migration and growth.

Choice B reason:

Assessing the wound for signs of infection is important to detect and treat any infection that may impair wound healing or cause systemic complications. Signs of infection include increased redness, warmth, swelling, pain, drainage, odor, fever, or leukocytosis.

Choice C reason:

Debriding necrotic tissue from the wound is essential to remove any dead or devitalized tissue that may interfere with wound healing or serve as a source of infection. Debridement can be done by surgical, mechanical, enzymatic, or autolytic methods.

Choice D reason:

Elevating the affected leg above the heart level reduces edema and improves blood circulation to the wound. Edema can impair wound healing by causing tissue hypoxia, increasing bacterial growth, and delaying granulation tissue formation.

Choice E reason:

Massaging the wound edges gently is not recommended for chronic wounds, as it may cause trauma or bleeding to the wound bed or delay epithelialization. Massaging may be beneficial for preventing hypertrophic scars or contractures in healed wounds.