A nurse is reviewing the ABG values of a client who has chronic bronchitis and reports dyspnea with minimal exertion. Which of the following acid- base imbalances should the nurse suspect?
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
The Correct Answer is C
Answer: C. Respiratory acidosis
Rationale:
A) Metabolic acidosis: This occurs when there is an excess of acid in the body or a loss of bicarbonate, often due to conditions such as renal failure or severe diarrhea. In chronic bronchitis, the primary issue is related to respiratory function rather than metabolic disturbances.
B) Respiratory alkalosis: This condition results from hyperventilation, leading to excessive loss of carbon dioxide. It is unlikely in a client with chronic bronchitis, who typically experiences difficulty in exhaling fully rather than hyperventilating.
C) Respiratory acidosis: In chronic bronchitis, airflow obstruction and reduced gas exchange can lead to carbon dioxide retention, resulting in respiratory acidosis. Symptoms like dyspnea and increased work of breathing support this imbalance, as the body is unable to adequately expel carbon dioxide.
D) Metabolic alkalosis: This imbalance results from excessive bicarbonate or loss of hydrogen ions, often related to prolonged vomiting or diuretics. It is not characteristic of chronic bronchitis, where the primary concern is respiratory function rather than metabolic processes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Headache:
Headache is not typically a clinical manifestation of an acute myocardial infarction. The more common symptoms are related to chest pain, autonomic responses, and cardiovascular changes.
B. Tachycardia:
Tachycardia, or an increased heart rate, is a common symptom during an acute MI. This occurs as the body attempts to compensate for decreased cardiac output and perfusion.
C. Nausea:
Nausea is a frequent symptom associated with an acute MI. It results from the activation of the autonomic nervous system during the heart attack.
D. Diaphoresis:
Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, is a classic symptom of an acute MI. It occurs due to the sympathetic nervous system's response to pain and stress from the heart attack.
E. Orthopnea:
Orthopnea, or difficulty breathing when lying down, is more commonly associated with congestive heart failure rather than an acute MI. While shortness of breath can occur during an MI, orthopnea is not a primary manifestation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "This medication will help maintain a normal heart rhythm":
Warfarin is not typically used to maintain a normal heart rhythm in atrial fibrillation. It is primarily used for stroke prevention by anticoagulation.
B. "Warfarin helps prevent strokes in clients who have atrial fibrillation":
This statement is accurate. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that is commonly prescribed for clients with atrial fibrillation to reduce the risk of stroke by preventing blood clots from forming in the heart and traveling to the brain.
C. "Warfarin dissolves clots in the bloodstream":
Warfarin does not directly dissolve clots in the bloodstream. It works by inhibiting the production of clotting factors in the liver, thereby preventing the formation of new clots and reducing the risk of clot-related complications such as stroke.
D. "This medication slows the response of the ventricles to the fast atrial impulses":
This statement refers more to medications used for rate control in atrial fibrillation rather than warfarin. Warfarin does not directly affect the heart rate or the response of the ventricles to atrial impulses.
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