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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Respiratory acidosis: COPD often results in impaired gas exchange and decreased removal of carbon dioxide, leading to its accumulation in the blood. This results in respiratory acidosis, characterized by elevated PaCO2 and a decreased pH.
B. Respiratory alkalosis: This condition is generally associated with hyperventilation, where excessive loss of carbon dioxide leads to a higher blood pH. It is less common in COPD, where hypoventilation is more typical.
C. Metabolic acidosis: While COPD can sometimes lead to metabolic acidosis, it is not the primary condition associated with the disease. Metabolic acidosis usually results from conditions affecting the kidneys or metabolic processes.
D. Metabolic alkalosis: This is characterized by an increased blood pH due to a loss of acid or an excess of bicarbonate. It is not typically associated with COPD.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Hyperkalemia: Hyperkalemia involves elevated potassium levels, which can cause muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and other symptoms, but it is not associated with Trousseau's sign or bone pain.
B. Hypermagnesemia: Hypermagnesemia, an elevated magnesium level, typically causes symptoms such as muscle weakness and respiratory depression, but not Trousseau's sign or bone pain.
C. Hypocalcemia: Hypocalcemia, characterized by low calcium levels, is commonly associated with a positive Trousseau's sign (spasms induced by inflating a blood pressure cuff) and bone pain due to calcium's role in bone health and neuromuscular function.
D. Hyponatremia: Hyponatremia refers to low sodium levels, which can cause symptoms like confusion, seizures, and lethargy, but it is not related to Trousseau's sign or bone pain.
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