A nurse is caring for a client who has metabolic alkalosis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Place the client on continuous cardiac monitoring.
Obtain a prescription for insulin for the client.
Plan to administer sodium bicarbonate to the client.
Have the client breathe into a paper bag.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is: A. Place the client on continuous cardiac monitoring.
Choice A reason:
Placing the client on continuous cardiac monitoring is crucial because metabolic alkalosis can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias due to electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia. Continuous monitoring allows for the early detection and management of these arrhythmias, ensuring patient safety.
Choice B reason:
Obtaining a prescription for insulin is not relevant for treating metabolic alkalosis. Insulin is typically used for managing hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis, not for correcting alkalosis.
Choice C reason:
Planning to administer sodium bicarbonate is incorrect because sodium bicarbonate is used to treat metabolic acidosis, not alkalosis. Administering it in this context could worsen the alkalosis.
Choice D reason:
Having the client breathe into a paper bag is a technique used for respiratory alkalosis to increase CO2 levels. It is not appropriate for metabolic alkalosis, which requires different management strategies.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: The pulmonary artery is the large blood vessel that carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs for gas exchange. It is the only artery that carries deoxygenated blood in the body.
Choice B reason: The pulmonary veins are the blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium. They are the only veins that carry oxygenated blood in the body.
Choice C reason: The left ventricle is the chamber of the heart that pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body through the aorta. It does not directly connect to the lungs.
Choice D reason: The left atrium is the chamber of the heart that receives oxygenated blood from the pulmonary veins. It does not directly connect to the right ventricle.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Obtaining a prescription to administer insulin is an important action for the nurse to take, as insulin helps to lower the blood glucose level and reverse the metabolic acidosis caused by diabetic ketoacidosis. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take, as the client's hypoxia is a more urgent problem that requires immediate intervention.
Choice B reason: Obtaining a prescription for supplemental oxygen is the first action the nurse should take, as hypoxia is a life-threatening condition that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. The nurse should provide oxygen therapy to improve the client's oxygen saturation and prevent further complications.
Choice C reason: Obtaining a prescription to check the client's glucose level is a necessary action for the nurse to take, as glucose monitoring helps to evaluate the client's response to insulin therapy and guide further interventions. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take, as the client's hypoxia is a more urgent problem that requires immediate intervention.
Choice D reason: Obtaining a prescription to administer intravenous fluids is a beneficial action for the nurse to take, as fluid replacement helps to correct the dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and hypotension caused by diabetic ketoacidosis. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take, as the client's hypoxia is a more urgent problem that requires immediate intervention.
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