A patient is hypoventilating and retaining carbon dioxide. On which acid-base imbalance should the nurse focus when caring for this patient?

Metabolic acidosis

Respiratory acidosis

Metabolic alkalosis

Respiratory alkalosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Metabolic acidosis: Metabolic acidosis is caused by an accumulation of acid or loss of bicarbonate, not by carbon dioxide retention. While hypoventilation can cause a buildup of CO2, this condition is primarily associated with respiratory acidosis.

B. Respiratory acidosis: Hypoventilation leads to the retention of carbon dioxide (CO2), which increases the concentration of carbonic acid in the blood, causing a decrease in blood pH. This results in respiratory acidosis, making it the correct acid-base imbalance to focus on.

C. Metabolic alkalosis: Metabolic alkalosis occurs when there is an excess of bicarbonate or a loss of hydrogen ions, and it is not related to the retention of CO2 from hypoventilation.

D. Respiratory alkalosis: This occurs when excessive CO2 is exhaled due to hyperventilation, not hypoventilation. Hypoventilation results in CO2 retention, which leads to acidosis, not alkalosis.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Avoid hanging the IV with K and inform the registered nurse (RN) of the urine output: The low urine output suggests potential renal impairment, which could lead to potassium retention. Administering potassium could cause dangerous hyperkalemia, so it’s important to hold the IV and consult the RN for further evaluation.

B. Run the IV rapidly for 30 minutes to stimulate urine production: Rapid infusion could worsen fluid overload or cause other complications, and it will not address the renal issue causing the low urine output. Potassium should be avoided to prevent complications.

C. Call the physician who ordered the K+: While notifying the physician is important, the immediate priority is to inform the RN, as the potassium infusion should be withheld until renal function is assessed and corrected, if necessary.

D. Hang the IV as ordered and chart the output: Hanging the IV with potassium is risky in this case, as the client may not be able to eliminate potassium due to decreased renal function. Monitoring urine output is crucial before proceeding with potassium administration.

A. Tenderness at the IV site B. Urine specific gravity is 1.018 C. Capillary refill is < 3 seconds D. Newly noted crackles in the lungs

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Tenderness at the IV site: Tenderness at the IV site could indicate irritation or minor inflammation, but it is not the most concerning finding in this situation. It is a common issue with IV therapy and does not indicate a life-threatening condition.

B. Urine specific gravity is 1.018: A urine specific gravity of 1.018 is within the normal range (1.005 to 1.030), indicating adequate hydration. This is not an alarming finding in the context of IV fluid infusion.

C. Capillary refill is < 3 seconds: A capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds indicates good peripheral circulation, which is a positive sign and does not raise immediate concern regarding fluid status or complications from the IV infusion.

D. Newly noted crackles in the lungs: Crackles in the lungs can indicate fluid overload, which is a serious concern in older adults, particularly when receiving IV fluids like 0.45% normal saline. This suggests that the body is struggling to manage the fluid volume, leading to pulmonary complications.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A patient is hypoventilating and retaining carbon dioxide. On which acid-base imbalance should the nurse focus when caring for this patient?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) is preparing to add a new IV of 5% dextrose in water (D5W) with potassium (K) to an existing line. The LPN/LVN notices that only 25 mL of urine has been collected over the past hour. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

An older adult patient has an intravenous infusion of 0.45% normal saline infusing at 150 mL/hr. The nurse is most concerned by which of the following assessment findings?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client's calcium level is 9.5 mg/dL (Normal 9.0-10.5 mg/dL). A nurse would expect the client's phosphate level to be:

A nurse is reviewing the chart of a client whose arterial blood gas finding reveal metabolic acidosis. The nurse should recognize that which of the following conditions in the client's history increases the risk of metabolic acidosis?

The physician orders Kefzol 2 g in 50 mL of NS IVPB to infuse over 30 minutes. Tubing drop factor is 60 gtt/mL. Calculate the flow rate in drops per minute.

The nurse is assessing a patient and finds crackles in the lung bases and neck vein distention. Which action will the nurse take first?

The nurse is caring for a patient with metabolic acidosis. Which assessment finding reveals that the compensatory mechanism to correct this imbalance is in effect?

A client at risk for developing hyperkalemia states, "I love fruit and usually eat it every day, but now I can't because of my high potassium level." How should the nurse respond?

A patient presents to the emergency department with reports of vomiting and diarrhea for the past 48 hours. The health care provider orders isotonic intravenous (IV) therapy. Which IV will the nurse prepare?

A nurse is caring for four clients who have drainage tubes. The nurse should identify the client who has which of the following tubes as being at risk for hypokalemia?