A nurse is caring for a patient who has respiratory alkalosis and hyperventilating. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?
Administer sodium bicarbonate to the patient.
Provide a paper bag for the patient to breathe into.
Monitor the patient's head being between their knees.
Administer acetazolamide to the patient.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Administering sodium bicarbonate is not indicated for respiratory alkalosis as it is an alkalinizing agent and could worsen the condition.
Choice B reason: Breathing into a paper bag can help to rebreathe CO2, which can help correct the pH in cases of hyperventilation-induced respiratory alkalosis.
Choice C reason: Having the patient's head between their knees is not a standard intervention for respiratory alkalosis and could be uncomfortable or unsafe for the patient.
Choice D reason: Acetazolamide is a diuretic that can cause metabolic acidosis to compensate for respiratory alkalosis, but it is not typically used for acute management of hyperventilation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Elevating the patient in a high Fowler's position can help improve lung expansion and oxygenation, and using an incentive spirometer along with coughing can help prevent atelectasis and pneumonia, which are common postoperative complications.
Choice B reason: Increasing oxygen to 70% without a specific indication could lead to oxygen toxicity, especially without assessing the patient's current oxygenation status.
Choice C reason: Switching to a rebreather mask is not indicated based on the given ABG results and could lead to CO2 retention.
Choice D reason: Positioning the patient prone and performing postural drainage are not typically first-line interventions for a patient one day post-thoracotomy and could be contraindicated due to the recent surgery.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Diarrhea is not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis. It is more commonly related to gastrointestinal issues.
Choice B reason: Hyperventilation is a common finding in respiratory alkalosis. It occurs when a person breathes rapidly and deeply, expelling too much carbon dioxide from the body, which raises the pH of the blood.
Choice C reason: Abdominal pain is not a specific finding related to respiratory alkalosis and can be associated with a variety of health issues.
Choice D reason: Dry skin is not directly related to respiratory alkalosis. While it can be a symptom of various conditions, it does not specifically indicate this type of acid-base imbalance.
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