A nurse is collecting data on a client who has respiratory alkalosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Dry skin
Diarrhea
Hyperventilation
Abdominal pain
The Correct Answer is C
A. Dry skin:
Dry skin is not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis. Instead, it may occur in conditions such as dehydration or impaired skin integrity.
B. Diarrhea:
Diarrhea is not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis primarily involves changes in the respiratory system, leading to alterations in blood pH and carbon dioxide levels.
C. Hyperventilation:
Hyperventilation is a characteristic finding in respiratory alkalosis. It is a compensatory mechanism where the client breathes rapidly and deeply to blow off excess carbon dioxide, attempting to restore acid-base balance.
D. Abdominal pain:
Abdominal pain is not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis. While some individuals with respiratory alkalosis may experience symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or tingling sensations, abdominal pain is not a common manifestation of this acid-base imbalance.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
(A) “Incorporate walking into your daily routine.”: This is the most appropriate instruction for a client with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Regular exercise, such as walking, can help improve circulation, increase the distance a person can walk without pain, and promote overall cardiovascular health. It’s important to start slow and gradually increase the duration and intensity of the exercise as tolerated. The client should be advised to stop and rest if they experience any pain.
(B) “Elevate your legs while in bed.”: While elevating the legs can help reduce swelling in some conditions, it’s not typically recommended for clients with PAD. Elevation can actually decrease arterial blood flow to the legs, which could worsen symptoms.
(c) “Shop for new shoes during the morning hours.”: This instruction is more relevant for clients with conditions that cause foot swelling, such as heart failure or venous insufficiency. In PAD, the size of the feet does not typically change throughout the day.
(D) “Wear knee length stockings.”: Compression stockings are often used to improve venous circulation in conditions like deep vein thrombosis or chronic venous insufficiency. However, they’re not typically recommended for clients with PAD as they can restrict arterial blood flow.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
(A) Respiratory acidosis: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and a high PaCO2 (>45 mm Hg). In this case, the client’s pH is high and PaCO2 is normal, which rules out respiratory acidosis.
(B) Respiratory alkalosis: Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and a low PaCO2 (<35 mm Hg). Although the client’s pH is high, the PaCO2 is normal, which rules out respiratory alkalosis.
(C) Metabolic acidosis: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and a low bicarbonate level (<22 mEq/L). The client’s pH and bicarbonate levels are both high, which rules out metabolic acidosis.
(D) Metabolic alkalosis: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and a high bicarbonate level (>26 mEq/L). The client’s pH is 7.6 and bicarbonate level is 32 mEq/L, both of which are higher than normal. This indicates metabolic alkalosis. Therefore, the nurse should identify that the client is experiencing metabolic alkalosis.
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