A nurse is collecting data for a client who has acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Impaired carbon dioxide elimination due to shunting
Decreased pulmonary arterial pressure due to ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch
Hypoxemia due to dead space
Decreased pulmonary compliance due to stiffness
The Correct Answer is D
A. ARDS is characterized by severe hypoxemia due to shunting, but it typically impairs oxygenation rather than carbon dioxide elimination. The primary issue is the inability to oxygenate blood, not the elimination of carbon dioxide.
B. In ARDS, pulmonary arterial pressure often increases due to pulmonary hypertension caused by widespread inflammation and hypoxemia, not decreased pressure. V/Q mismatch contributes to hypoxemia but does not directly cause decreased pulmonary arterial pressure.
C. While hypoxemia is a hallmark of ARDS, it is primarily due to shunting (where blood passes through unventilated areas of the lung) rather than dead space, which is more associated with conditions like pulmonary embolism.
D. ARDS involves decreased pulmonary compliance due to the stiffness of the lungs, which results from diffuse alveolar damage and the formation of hyaline membranes. This stiffness makes it difficult for the lungs to expand, leading to reduced oxygenation and severe hypoxemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Diarrhea: Diarrhea leads to the loss of bicarbonate, an important buffer in the blood, which can contribute to the development of metabolic acidosis as the body loses bicarbonate faster than it can replace it.
B. Vomiting: Vomiting typically leads to metabolic alkalosis due to the loss of stomach acid, which reduces the amount of hydrogen ions in the body.
C. Salicylate intoxication: This condition primarily causes a mixed acid-base disturbance, including metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis, due to its effects on both the metabolic and respiratory systems.
D. Hyperventilation: This condition causes respiratory alkalosis due to excessive loss of carbon dioxide, not metabolic acidosis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Water moves from areas where the concentration of sodium is higher to areas where the concentration is lower.": This statement incorrectly describes the direction of water movement. Water typically moves towards areas of higher solute concentration (higher sodium levels) through osmosis.
B. "Sodium moves from areas where the concentration of solute is lower to areas where the concentration is higher.": Sodium does not move this way in dehydration; the main issue is the movement of water, not sodium, in response to osmotic gradients.
C. "Water and sodium particles move together to areas where sodium particles are higher.": Water and sodium do not move together. Water follows solute (sodium) through osmotic processes, but sodium does not move in this manner during dehydration.
D. "Water moves from areas where the concentration of sodium is lower to the areas where the concentration of sodium is higher.": This statement correctly explains the principle of osmosis. In dehydration, water is lost from the body, leading to higher sodium concentration in the blood. This higher concentration draws water from cells to balance the osmotic pressure, resulting in elevated sodium levels.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.