A nurse is reviewing the medical records of four clients who have an acid-base imbalance. The nurse should recognize that which of the following clients is at risk for respiratory alkalosis?
A client who is taking a thiazide diuretic.
A client who is vomiting.
A client who has salicylate intoxication.
A client who has hypoventilation.
None
None
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is Choice C.
Choice A rationale: Thiazide diuretics cause potassium and chloride loss, leading to metabolic alkalosis, not respiratory alkalosis. Hypokalemia decreases hydrogen ion excretion, increasing bicarbonate levels. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by pH >7.45 and HCO₃⁻ >26 mEq/L rather than decreased PaCO₂.
Choice B rationale: Vomiting leads to metabolic alkalosis due to gastric acid loss. Hydrogen ion depletion increases bicarbonate concentration, shifting pH above normal. Arterial blood gases typically show increased HCO₃⁻ (>26 mEq/L) with a compensatory increase in PaCO₂ (>45 mmHg), not respiratory alkalosis.
Choice C rationale: Salicylate intoxication initially induces hyperventilation, reducing PaCO₂ levels below 35 mmHg and increasing pH above 7.45, leading to respiratory alkalosis. As toxicity progresses, metabolic acidosis may develop due to lactic acid accumulation, but early stages primarily present with respiratory alkalosis.
Choice D rationale: Hypoventilation leads to CO₂ retention, increasing PaCO₂ above 45 mmHg, forming carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) and causing respiratory acidosis. Blood gases show pH <7.35 with elevated PaCO₂, not respiratory alkalosis, which is caused by excessive CO₂ elimination through hyperventilation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should not include the information about beginning Kegel exercises 6 to 7 weeks after delivery because Kegel exercises are pelvic floor exercises that help improve bladder control and should be started earlier, immediately after childbirth. Delaying the exercises for 6 to 7 weeks could result in weaker pelvic floor muscles and potentially exacerbate postpartum urinary issues.
Choice B rationale:
The nurse should not include the information that the client doesn't need to use birth control if exclusively breastfeeding. While exclusive breastfeeding can provide some natural contraceptive effect, it is not a reliable method, and there is still a risk of pregnancy during the postpartum period. The nurse should advise the client to use appropriate birth control methods to prevent unintended pregnancies.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer. The nurse should include information about the client's breasts becoming firm and tender 3 to 5 days after delivery. This is a normal physiological response known as engorgement, which occurs as the breasts prepare for breastfeeding.
Choice D rationale:
The nurse should not inform the client that her bleeding will remain bright red for the next 6 to 8 weeks. While some postpartum bleeding is normal (known as lochia), the color and amount of bleeding change over time. Initially, it is bright red and gradually transitions to a lighter color over the following weeks.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
If both the mother and the father are Rh positive, there is no risk of hemolytic disease in the newborn due to Rh incompatibility. Hemolytic disease of the newborn occurs when the mother is Rh negative and the father is Rh positive.
Choice B rationale:
When the mother is Rh positive and the father is Rh negative, there is no risk of hemolytic disease in the newborn. Hemolytic disease results from Rh incompatibility, which occurs when the mother is Rh negative, and the father is Rh positive.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer. Hemolytic disease of the newborn occurs when the mother is Rh negative, and the father is Rh positive. In such cases, the baby may inherit the Rh factor from the father, leading to Rh incompatibility between the mother and the baby's blood, potentially causing hemolytic disease.
Choice D rationale:
If both the mother and the father are Rh negative, there is no risk of hemolytic disease in the newborn due to Rh incompatibility. Hemolytic disease of the newborn occurs when the mother is Rh negative and the father is Rh positive.
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