Mrs. Jamerson, who is in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) following surgery, is difficult to arouse and demonstrates shallow breathing. The patient does not respond to any stimuli. The nurse assesses the patient and obtains arterial blood gas (ABG) measurements STAT. The ABG shows a pH of 7.10, PaCO2 of 70 mm Hg, and HCO3 of 24 mEq/L. What does this mean?

Respiratory Alkalosis Partially Compensated

Respiratory Acidosis Uncompensated

Metabolic Alkalosis Partially Compensated

Metabolic Acidosis Uncompensated

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason: Respiratory Alkalosis Partially Compensated is characterized by an elevated pH over 7.45 and a PaCO2 under 35 mmHg, with a compensatory acidic HCO3 under 22 mEq/L. This does not match the patient's ABG results.

Choice B reason: Respiratory Acidosis Uncompensated is indicated by an acidic pH under 7.35 and an elevated PaCO2 over 45 mmHg, with HCO3 in the normal range of 2226 mEq/L. The patient's ABG results show a low pH and high PaCO2, which aligns with this condition.

Choice C reason: Metabolic Alkalosis Partially Compensated would show a basic pH over 7.45 and a basic HCO3 over 26 mEq/L, with a compensatory acidic PaCO2 over 45 mmHg[^10^]. The patient's ABG values do not support this diagnosis.

Choice D reason: Metabolic Acidosis Uncompensated would present with an acidic pH under 7.35 and an acidic HCO3 under 22 mEq/L, with PaCO2 in the normal range of 3545 mmHg⁸. The patient's normal HCO3 level does not indicate metabolic acidosis.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Dullness on percussion typically indicates increased lung density, such as in conditions where lung tissue is consolidated or fluid-filled. This sound is heard in cases of:Pneumonia (due to alveolar consolidation)Pleural effusion (fluid in the pleural space)Lung tumors (solid masses in lung tissue) Since chronic bronchitis is primarily an airway disease characterized by inflammation and mucus production rather than lung consolidation or fluid accumulation, dullness is not an expected finding..

Choice B reason: Tympany is usually heard over air-filled structures and is not a percussion sound typically associated with chronic bronchitis.

Choice C reason:

Resonance is the normal percussion sound heard over healthy lung fields, indicating air-filled alveoli. Since chronic bronchitis does not cause significant air trapping or lung consolidation, percussion remains resonant rather than hyperresonant (as in emphysema) or dull (as in pneumonia). Thus, resonance is the expected finding in chronic bronchitis because the lung parenchyma remains relatively unaffected despite the chronic airway inflammation.

Choice D reason: Flatness is heard over very dense tissue, such as muscle or bone, and is not characteristic of chronic bronchitis.

A. Dependent rubor B. Foot ulcers C. Rest pain D. Intermittent claudication

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Dependent rubor, a reddish coloration of the skin that occurs when the legs are in a dependent position, can be a sign of PAD, indicating poor arterial flow.

Choice B reason: Foot ulcers may occur in individuals with PAD due to poor blood circulation and the inability of sores or injuries to heal properly.

Choice C reason: Rest pain is a symptom of advanced PAD and occurs due to insufficient blood flow to the limbs even at rest, often worsening at night when the legs are elevated.

Choice D reason: Intermittent claudication, characterized by pain and cramping in the legs during exercise that disappears after rest, is a hallmark symptom of PAD and results from inadequate blood flow during increased activity.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client who has chronic bronchitis. Which of the following percussion sounds should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Which of the following symptoms should the nurse expect to find in the client?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is performing discharge teaching for a client who has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a family history of hypertension. The nurse should inform the client that his blood pressure of 124/79 mm Hg places him in which of the following categories?

A nurse is creating a teaching plan for a client who has thrombocytopenia. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about the differences between a plaster cast and a synthetic cast. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is developing a teaching plan for a client who has a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take first?

A nurse is monitoring an older adult female client who had a myocardial infarction (MI) for the development of acute kidney injury (AKI). Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as indicating an increased risk of AKI?

A nurse is planning care for a client who is to receive packed RBCs. The nurse should plan for the total infusion time to not exceed which of the following?

A nurse is assessing a client who has diabetes mellitus and reports foot pain. The nurse should evaluate the client for which of the following alterations as indications that the client has an infection? (Select all that apply.)