A nurse is taking care of a patient who is nauseous and vomiting.
Which of the following acid-base imbalances should the nurse identify the patient is at risk for?
Respiratory alkalosis.
Metabolic alkalosis.
Metabolic Acidosis.
Respiratory acidosis.
Respiratory acidosis.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Respiratory alkalosis is typically associated with hyperventilation, which can occur in conditions such as anxiety, fever, or certain lung diseases. However, it is less likely in a patient who is nauseous and vomiting.
Choice B rationale
Metabolic alkalosis is a condition that can occur due to the loss of acid from the body, which can happen when a patient is vomiting. When a person vomits, they lose stomach acid (hydrochloric acid), and this can disrupt the acid-base balance in the body, leading to metabolic alkalosis.
Choice C rationale
Metabolic acidosis is typically associated with conditions that cause the accumulation of acid in the body or the loss of bicarbonate, such as kidney disease, lactic acidosis, or certain poisonings. It is less likely in a patient who is nauseous and vomiting.
Choice D rationale
Respiratory acidosis is typically associated with conditions that cause an inability to remove enough carbon dioxide from the body, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or airway obstruction. It is less likely in a patient who is nauseous and vomiting.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A bicarbonate level of 60 mosm/kg is not a manifestation of dehydration. In fact, dehydration can lead to metabolic acidosis, which would result in a decreased bicarbonate level.
Choice B rationale
A urine specific gravity of 1.035 is a manifestation of dehydration. The kidneys concentrate the urine in an attempt to conserve water, leading to an increased specific gravity.
Choice C rationale
A blood sodium level of 50 meq/L is not a manifestation of dehydration. Dehydration can lead to hypernatremia, or an increased sodium level, due to the loss of water.
Choice D rationale
A blood creatinine level of 0.6 mg/dL is not a manifestation of dehydration. Dehydration can lead to an increase in creatinine levels due to decreased renal perfusion.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A decrease in systolic blood pressure is not a physiological change that increases the risk of dehydration in older adults.
Choice B rationale
An increase in saliva production does not occur with aging and does not increase the risk of dehydration.
Choice C rationale
An increase in the percentage of body water does not occur with aging. In fact, total body water decreases with age, which can contribute to an increased risk of dehydration.
Choice D rationale
A decrease in kidney function is a common physiological change that occurs with aging. This can lead to a decreased ability to concentrate urine and conserve water, increasing the risk of dehydration.
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