A nurse is collecting data on a patient who has respiratory alkalosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Hyperventilation
Dyspnea
Abdominal pain
Dizziness
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Hyperventilation is a common response to respiratory alkalosis as the body tries to compensate for the high pH by exhaling more carbon dioxide.
Choice B reason: Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, may be present but is not as specific as hyperventilation for respiratory alkalosis.
Choice C reason: Abdominal pain is not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis.
Choice D reason: Dizziness can be a symptom of respiratory alkalosis due to changes in blood chemistry, but it is less specific than hyperventilation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Raise the head of the bed.
Choice A rationale:
Increasing the patient’s oral fluid intake is important for hydration and thinning secretions, but it is not the immediate priority when oxygen saturation is critically low.
Choice B rationale:
Raising the head of the bed helps improve lung expansion and facilitates easier breathing, which can quickly improve oxygen saturation levels. This is a critical first step in managing low oxygen saturation.
Choice C rationale:
Initiating humidified oxygen therapy is essential for improving oxygenation, but it should follow the immediate action of raising the head of the bed to optimize breathing.
Choice D rationale:
Encouraging the patient to cough and deep breathe is beneficial for clearing secretions and improving lung function, but it is not the first action to take when oxygen saturation is critically low.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Elevating the patient in a high Fowler's position can help improve lung expansion and oxygenation, and using an incentive spirometer along with coughing can help prevent atelectasis and pneumonia, which are common postoperative complications.
Choice B reason: Increasing oxygen to 70% without a specific indication could lead to oxygen toxicity, especially without assessing the patient's current oxygenation status.
Choice C reason: Switching to a rebreather mask is not indicated based on the given ABG results and could lead to CO2 retention.
Choice D reason: Positioning the patient prone and performing postural drainage are not typically first-line interventions for a patient one day post-thoracotomy and could be contraindicated due to the recent surgery.
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