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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain is not typically associated with respiratory acidosis. Respiratory acidosis is a condition that occurs when the lungs can’t remove enough carbon dioxide, resulting in an acidic blood pH.
B. Lethargy: Lethargy is a common symptom of respiratory acidosis. Patients may experience fatigue, especially during the daytime1. This is due to the increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which can cause confusion, drowsiness, and fatigue
C. Dry skin: Dry skin is not a common symptom of respiratory acidosis. The condition primarily affects the respiratory system and does not typically cause skin changes.
D. Numbness of fingers: While numbness of fingers can be a symptom of various conditions, it is not typically associated with respiratory acidosis. The primary symptoms of respiratory acidosis are related to increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood, such as lethargy and confusion.
Correct Answer is ["2"]
Explanation
Let's calculate how many tablets the nurse should administer:
Dosage prescribed: The doctor prescribed digoxin 0.25 mg.
Tablet strength: Each available tablet contains 0.125 mg of digoxin.
To find out how many tablets are needed, we can divide the prescribed dosage by the amount of digoxin per tablet:
Number of tablets = Prescribed dosage / Amount of digoxin per tablet
Number of tablets = 0.25 mg / 0.125 mg/tablet
Since we might get a decimal result due to the division, we need to round to the nearest whole number of tablets the nurse can administer for safety reasons.
In this case, dividing 0.25 mg by 0.125 mg/tablet gives us 2.
Therefore, rounding up to the nearest whole number of tablets, the nurse should administer 2 tablets.
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