A patient is post-op from knee surgery. The patient has been receiving Morphine 4 mg IV every 2 hours. The nurse notices the patient is exhibiting a respiratory rate of 8 and is extremely drowsy. Which of the following conditions is the patient at risk for?
Respiratory acidosis
Hypokalemia
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
The Correct Answer is A
A. Respiratory acidosis:
This occurs when there is inadequate removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) by the respiratory system. In the case of the patient post-op from knee surgery receiving Morphine, the opioid can cause respiratory depression, leading to the retention of CO2 and the development of respiratory acidosis. Signs include a decreased respiratory rate and drowsiness.
B. Hypokalemia:
This is a condition characterized by low levels of potassium in the blood. While opioids can cause constipation, they are not directly associated with hypokalemia.
C. Metabolic acidosis:
This occurs when there is an increase in acid production or a loss of bicarbonate, leading to an imbalance in the body's acid-base status. The symptoms of metabolic acidosis are not typically associated with opioid use.
D. Respiratory alkalosis:
This occurs when there is excessive elimination of CO2, leading to decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Opioids, especially in higher doses, are more likely to cause respiratory depression and acidosis rather than alkalosis. The patient's low respiratory rate and drowsiness are indicative of respiratory acidosis rather than alkalosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Urinalysis shows trace protein:
Explanation: While trace protein in the urine is generally better than higher levels, it doesn't provide a specific measure of blood glucose control. Protein in the urine can be an early sign of kidney damage in diabetes, but it doesn't directly indicate blood glucose control.
B. Hemoglobin A1C of 5.6%:
Explanation: Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) is a long-term indicator of blood glucose control. An HbA1C level of 5.6% is within the target range for individuals with diabetes and suggests good control of blood glucose over the past 2-3 months.
C. Fasting blood glucose of 110 mg/dL:
Explanation: Fasting blood glucose gives a snapshot of blood glucose at a specific moment. While 110 mg/dL is a fairly normal fasting level, it doesn't provide information about long-term control. A single fasting glucose measurement may not reflect overall glucose management.
D. Urine ketones are negative:
Explanation: Negative urine ketones indicate that the body is not currently using fat for energy. While this is a good sign in the moment, it doesn't give information about overall blood glucose control over time. Urine ketones can fluctuate based on various factors, including diet and activity level.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Erythropoietin (Epogen):
Explanation: Erythropoietin is a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells. In chronic kidney disease, especially when associated with anemia, the production of erythropoietin by the kidneys may be reduced. Erythropoietin (Epogen) is commonly used to stimulate the production of red blood cells and manage anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease.
B. Eltrombopag (Promacta):
Explanation: Eltrombopag is a medication used to stimulate the production of platelets and is primarily indicated for conditions associated with thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). It is not used to treat anemia associated with chronic kidney disease.
C. GM-CSF (Leukine):
Explanation: Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF or Leukine) is a medication that stimulates the production of white blood cells and is used in certain conditions to address decreased white blood cell counts. It is not typically used for managing anemia.
D. Thrombopoietin (TPO):
Explanation: Thrombopoietin is a hormone that stimulates the production of platelets. Medications that mimic the action of thrombopoietin, such as romiplostim and eltrombopag, are used to treat thrombocytopenia. Thrombopoietin is not used for the treatment of anemia.
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