A nurse is collecting data from a client who has shallow respirations and a respiratory rate of 9/min.
Which of the following acid-base imbalances should the nurse expect?

Metabolic acidosis.

Respiratory alkalosis.

Metabolic alkalosis.

Respiratory acidosis.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale:

A respiratory rate of 9/min and shallow respirations are indicative of hypoventilation, which can lead to an accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood. This condition results in respiratory acidosis (Choice D). In respiratory acidosis, the arterial pH is decreased (acidic) while the PaCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) is elevated.

Choice B rationale:

Respiratory alkalosis (Choice B) is characterized by a low PaCO2 and an elevated pH due to hyperventilation. Shallow respirations and a respiratory rate of 9/min do not align with this condition, as it typically involves rapid and deep breathing.

Choice C rationale:

Metabolic alkalosis (Choice C) results from a primary excess of bicarbonate (HCO3-) in the blood and is not associated with the given respiratory patterns. Shallow respirations and a low respiratory rate are more likely to lead to an accumulation of CO2, causing respiratory acidosis (Choice D).

Choice D rationale:

The correct answer is choice D. Shallow respirations and a respiratory rate of 9/min indicate hypoventilation, leading to an accumulation of CO2 in the blood. This condition results in respiratory acidosis, where the arterial pH is decreased. The body's compensatory response is to retain bicarbonate to normalize pH, but this can result in an elevated HCO3- level. The primary acid-base imbalance in this case is respiratory acidosis. .

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Extreme thirst is not a typical finding in a client with hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is an electrolyte imbalance that can lead to symptoms like weakness and irregular heartbeats, but extreme thirst is not a direct result of low potassium levels.

Choice B rationale:

"Weak, irregular pulse" is the correct response. Hypokalemia can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, which may manifest as a weak, irregular pulse. Potassium plays a crucial role in maintaining the electrical activity of the heart, and low levels can disrupt normal heart rhythms.

Choice C rationale:

Hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with hypokalemia. Instead, you might expect diminished or absent bowel sounds in severe cases due to muscle weakness.

Choice D rationale:

Hyperactive reflexes are not typically associated with hypokalemia. Instead, hypokalemia can lead to muscle weakness and potentially even paralysis in severe cases.

A. "A headache indicates tolerance to the medication.”. B. "It sounds as if you are allergic to this medication.”. C. "A headache is a common adverse effect of this medication, but it will probably occur less often over time.”. D. "Your headache is probably a result of anxiety about the chest pain.”.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Tolerance to nitroglycerin is not indicated by the presence of a headache. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator used to relieve angina, and headaches can be a common side effect.

Choice B rationale:

Allergic reactions to nitroglycerin are rare, and a headache is not a typical symptom of an allergy to this medication.

Choice C rationale:

"A headache is a common adverse effect of this medication, but it will probably occur less often over time.”. This is the correct response. Nitroglycerin commonly causes headaches due to its vasodilatory effects. Patients often experience this side effect initially, but it tends to improve or occur less frequently with continued use. The nurse should educate the client about this and reassure them that the headaches should diminish over time.

Choice D rationale:

Anxiety may exacerbate chest pain, but it is not the likely cause of the headache. It is important to address the headache as a potential side effect of the medication.

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A nurse is collecting data from a client who has shallow respirations and a respiratory rate of 9/min.Which of the following acid-base imbalances should the nurse expect?

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A nurse is collecting data from a client who has shallow respirations and a respiratory rate of 9/min.
Which of the following acid-base imbalances should the nurse expect?