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 ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
(A) Correctly identify clients prior to administering medications: This is a key goal of the National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs). Correctly identifying patients before administering medications helps to prevent medication errors and ensures patient safety.
(B) Educate clients about health promotion and prevention: While this is an important aspect of nursing care, it is not specifically listed as a National Patient Safety Goal.
(c) Prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections in clients: Preventing healthcare-associated infections, including catheter-associated urinary tract infections, is a major focus of the NPSGs.
(D) Improve communication among staff members: Effective communication among healthcare providers is crucial for patient safety and is a key goal of the NPSGs.
(E) Increase job satisfaction for staff members: While job satisfaction can indirectly impact patient safety, it is not a specific goal of the NPSGs. The NPSGs are primarily focused on direct measures to improve patient safety.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
(A) Diarrhea: Diarrhea is typically associated with gastrointestinal disorders. It involves frequent loose or watery stools, which is not a symptom of respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis is a condition that affects the respiratory system, causing an increase in the rate or depth of respiration, leading to a decrease in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood.
(B) Hyperventilation: Hyperventilation is indeed a common finding in respiratory alkalosis. When a person hyperventilates, they breathe out more carbon dioxide than their body produces. This lowers the level of carbon dioxide in the blood, leading to a rise in blood pH and causing the blood to become more alkaline - a state known as alkalosis.
(C) Dry skin: Dry skin is not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis. It’s more common in conditions like dehydration or skin disorders. Respiratory alkalosis is a condition that affects the respiratory system and the balance of acids and bases in the blood, not the skin.
(D) Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain is not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis. It’s more common in gastrointestinal disorders. Respiratory alkalosis is a condition that affects the respiratory system and the balance of acids and bases in the blood, not the digestive system.
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