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 B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice **b. Hearing loss**.
Choice A rationale:
Cataracts are not a common finding in newborns with congenital CMV infection. Cataracts are more commonly associated with other congenital infections like rubella, toxoplasmosis, and herpes simplex virus (HSV).
Choice B rationale:
Hearing loss is one of the most common manifestations of congenital CMV infection. Up to 40-58% of infants with symptomatic congenital CMV infection develop sensorineural hearing loss, which can be unilateral or bilateral, and progressive over time.
Choice C rationale:
Macrosomia, or large birth size, is not a typical finding in congenital CMV infection. In fact, infants with symptomatic congenital CMV infection are more likely to be small for gestational age or have intrauterine growth restriction.
Choice D rationale:
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is not a common presentation of congenital CMV infection. CMV can cause inclusion bodies in the urine, but overt UTI is not a typical finding. More common manifestations include petechiae, hepatosplenomegaly, jaundice, and central nervous system involvement.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Blood pressure of 136/88 mm Hg should be monitored, but it is not a finding that the nurse needs to urgently report to the provider following the administration of butorphanol. The blood pressure reading is slightly elevated but might be attributed to pain or anxiety during labor.
Choice B rationale:
Moderate fetal heart rate variability is a reassuring sign of fetal well-being and is an expected finding during labor. It does not require immediate reporting to the provider.
Choice C rationale:
Respiratory rate of 100/min is significantly increased and should be reported to the provider following the administration of butorphanol. Respiratory depression is a potential side effect of opioids like butorphanol, and a respiratory rate of 100/min raises concern for potential respiratory compromise.
Choice D rationale:
Urinary output of 120 mL in 2 hours is an acceptable finding during labor and does not require immediate reporting to the provider. Adequate urinary output varies, but generally, 30 mL/hour is considered acceptable during labor.
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