A patient with asthma is admitted with severe dyspnea and is unable to speak. The nurse finds that the patient looks drowsy and confused. Which other finding would the nurse expect?
Peak flow of more than 40%
Bradycardia
Loud and prominent wheezing
Arterial blood gas is deteriorating
The Correct Answer is D
A. A peak flow of more than 40% would indicate that the patient's asthma is not in an acute exacerbation. This patient's symptoms, such as confusion and inability to speak, suggest a severe asthma attack, and the peak flow would likely be much lower.
B. Bradycardia is not typically associated with severe asthma exacerbations. Tachycardia is more commonly observed as the body attempts to compensate for hypoxia.
C. Loud and prominent wheezing is usually seen in less severe cases of asthma. In this case, the inability to speak and confusion suggest severe respiratory distress, where wheezing might be diminished or absent due to poor air movement.
D. Deteriorating arterial blood gas (ABG) results, with low oxygen levels (hypoxemia) and elevated carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia), would be expected in a patient with severe asthma exacerbation. These signs indicate respiratory failure and the need for urgent intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. 4 oz diet soda: This is incorrect. Diet soda contains no sugar and will not raise the client's blood glucose level. Although it may provide some hydration, it won't address the hypoglycemia.
B. 4 oz skim milk: This is the correct choice. Skim milk contains both lactose (a sugar) and protein, which can help raise the blood glucose and stabilize it over a longer period. This is a suitable option for treating mild hypoglycemia.
C. Graham crackers: While graham crackers contain carbohydrates, they are not the most immediate or efficient choice in this case. They are slower to digest and may not raise the blood glucose level as quickly as the combination of sugar and protein found in milk.
D. 1 tsp sugar: This is not the best option. While sugar can raise blood glucose, it is a fast-acting form of carbohydrate that may not sustain the client's blood glucose for a longer period. A more balanced option, such as milk, would provide both rapid and sustained glucose elevation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Insulin detemir is a long-acting basal insulin used for maintenance therapy, not for the rapid reduction of blood glucose levels in acute conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
B. NPH insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin used for long-term blood glucose control, but it is not appropriate for immediate treatment of DKA.
C. Insulin glargine is also a long-acting insulin that works over a prolonged period, making it unsuitable for emergency situations like DKA.
D. Regular insulin is the preferred choice for treating diabetic ketoacidosis. It is a short-acting insulin that can rapidly reduce blood glucose levels and is used intravenously for immediate intervention in DKA.
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