A nurse is caring for a patient with metabolic alkalosis.
What actions should the nurse take?
Place the patient on continuous cardiac monitoring.
Obtain a prescription for insulin for the patient.
Plan to administer sodium bicarbonate to the patient.
Have the patient breathe into a paper bag.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis is an acid-base imbalance characterized by excessive loss of acid or excessive gain of bicarbonate produced by an underlying pathologic disorder. It causes metabolic, respiratory, and renal responses, producing characteristic symptoms. One of the manifestations of metabolic alkalosis is cardiovascular abnormalities, such as atrial tachycardia. Therefore, placing the patient on continuous cardiac monitoring is a necessary action to assess the patient’s heart rate and rhythm and detect any abnormalities early.
Choice B rationale:
Insulin is not typically used in the treatment of metabolic alkalosis. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. It’s not directly related to the body’s acid-base balance. Therefore, obtaining a prescription for insulin for the patient would not be a relevant action in this case.
Choice C rationale:
Administering sodium bicarbonate to a patient with metabolic alkalosis would not be appropriate. Sodium bicarbonate is a base and is often used to treat metabolic acidosis, a condition characterized by an excess of acid in the body. Giving sodium bicarbonate to a patient with metabolic alkalosis, a condition characterized by an excess of base in the body, could potentially worsen the patient’s condition.
Choice D rationale:
Having the patient breathe into a paper bag is a common treatment for respiratory alkalosis, not metabolic alkalosis.
Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, which leads to a decrease in carbon dioxide in the blood. Breathing into a paper bag helps to increase the amount of carbon dioxide the person inhales, helping to restore the acid-base balance. However, metabolic alkalosis is not caused by hyperventilation, so this treatment
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C"]
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice C.
Choice A rationale: Applying four drops of developing solution to each stool specimen is incorrect. Typically, the test requires two drops of solution. Following manufacturer instructions ensures accurate results and prevents unnecessary waste or inaccurate readings.
Choice B rationale: Using toilet paper to transfer the stool specimen is improper. Stool should be collected using the provided applicator stick to avoid contamination, ensuring the accuracy of the fecal occult blood test.
Choice C rationale: Waiting 30 seconds after applying the developing solution allows the chemical reaction to complete, ensuring accurate detection of any occult blood present in the stool sample.
Choice D rationale: Collecting two stool specimens from the same area increases the risk of missing occult blood present in different parts of the stool. Sampling from multiple areas enhances test accuracy and ensures comprehensive results.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Dry skin is not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood aren’t balanced, often due to hyperventilation. Dry skin is not listed as a common symptom of this condition.
Choice B rationale:
Diarrhea is not a common symptom of respiratory alkalosis. The condition is characterized by symptoms such as dizziness, numbness, confusion, and shortness of breath. Diarrhea is more commonly associated with gastrointestinal issues rather than respiratory conditions.
Choice C rationale:
Abdominal pain is not a typical symptom of respiratory alkalosis. The condition is usually caused by over-breathing
(hyperventilation) that occurs when you breathe very deeply or rapidly. Abdominal pain is not listed as a common symptom of this condition.
Choice D rationale:
Hyperventilation is typically the underlying cause of respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation, also known as overbreathing, occurs when someone breathes very deeply or rapidly. This can cause the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood to drop too low, leading to respiratory alkalosis. Therefore, a nurse assessing a client who has respiratory alkalosis should expect to find signs of hyperventilation.
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