A patient presents with tachypnea, anxiety, and confusion. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
Hyperoxemia
Hypercapnia
Alkalosis
Hypoxemia
The Correct Answer is D
A. Hyperoxemia: Excess oxygen in the blood usually does not cause anxiety, confusion, or tachypnea. In fact, patients with hyperoxemia are typically asymptomatic unless oxygen toxicity develops over a prolonged period, which is not consistent with these acute symptoms.
B. Hypercapnia: Elevated CO2 levels typically cause symptoms such as headache, flushed skin, drowsiness, and eventually lethargy. Although confusion can occur, hypercapnia usually leads to hypoventilation rather than tachypnea.
C. Alkalosis: Alkalosis, particularly respiratory alkalosis, can cause lightheadedness and paresthesia but rarely leads to confusion and significant anxiety unless it is severe. The described symptoms more strongly suggest low oxygen levels rather than an altered pH state.
D. Hypoxemia: Low oxygen levels in the blood stimulate the respiratory center, resulting in tachypnea as the body attempts to increase oxygen intake. Anxiety and confusion occur as cerebral oxygenation decreases, making hypoxemia the most likely cause of these findings.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. That the patient is pain free: While pain management is important for overall comfort and cooperation, being completely pain-free is not the primary criterion for weaning. Pain alone does not determine ventilatory readiness.
B. That the patient does not have a fever: Absence of fever is beneficial for overall stability but is not the key factor in deciding readiness for weaning. The patient may still be weaned successfully if the underlying respiratory issue is improving.
C. That the underlying problem prompting mechanical ventilation is improving or resolved: Successful weaning requires that the initial cause of respiratory failure, such as pneumonia, COPD exacerbation, or ARDS, is improving or resolved. If the underlying problem persists, the patient is unlikely to sustain adequate spontaneous ventilation.
D. That the patient has been on the ventilator for at least 1 week: The duration of mechanical ventilation is not a determining factor for weaning readiness. Some patients may be ready to wean after a few days, while others require longer support depending on their condition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. To provide a certain volume of air to patient: Delivering a specific tidal volume is controlled by the ventilator’s volume settings, not by PEEP. PEEP functions to maintain alveolar pressure after expiration rather than to regulate the amount of air delivered with each breath.
B. To increase volume of air left in lungs at the end of expiration in order to help open up collapsed alveoli: PEEP prevents alveolar collapse by maintaining positive pressure in the lungs at the end of expiration. This helps improve gas exchange, increase functional residual capacity, and enhance oxygenation, especially in conditions like ARDS or pulmonary edema.
C. To increase patient’s respiratory rate: The respiratory rate is controlled by ventilator frequency settings, not by PEEP. Increasing PEEP does not alter the number of breaths delivered per minute but rather the pressure maintained after exhalation.
D. To decrease patient’s respiratory rate: PEEP does not directly influence respiratory rate; it affects oxygenation and alveolar stability. Any change in respiratory rate must be adjusted through the ventilator’s rate settings or sedation management, not by altering PEEP levels.
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