Mrs. Kalen is a 70-year-old female who has arrived at the ER due to persistent vomiting for two days now. She appears to be lethargic and weak and has myalgia. She is noted to have dry mucus membranes and her capillary refill takes >4 seconds. She is diagnosed as having gastroenteritis and dehydration. Measurement of arterial blood gas shows pH 7.5, PaO2 85 mm Hg, PaCO2 40 mm Hg, and HCO3 34 mmol/L. Based on the acid-base interruption from Mrs. Kalen, what can the nurse anticipate the treatment will be for correcting this imbalance?
administration of antiemetics
administration of diuretics
Possible Electrolyte replacement if warranted
Administration of IV 0.9 Saline Solution infusion
Have the patient go home and rest. It will resolve itself shortly.
The Correct Answer is D
Mrs. Kalen is diagnosed with gastroenteritis and dehydration, and the arterial blood gas results indicate metabolic alkalosis (elevated pH and HCO3-). This suggests that there is an excessive loss of gastric acid and chloride ions from vomiting, leading to an imbalance of electrolytes and an increase in bicarbonate levels.
To correct the imbalance and treat dehydration, the primary intervention is fluid replacement. Administration of IV 0.9 Saline Solution, also known as normal saline, is commonly used for fluid resuscitation and rehydration. This isotonic solution helps restore fluid balance and electrolyte levels in the body.
Administration of antiemetics may help control vomiting, but the primary treatment focus in this case is fluid and electrolyte replacement to correct dehydration and the associated metabolic alkalosis.
Administration of diuretics, which increase urine output, would not be appropriate in this case as the patient is already experiencing dehydration.
Electrolyte replacement may be necessary if there are specific electrolyte imbalances identified, but the primary treatment is fluid replacement with IV saline solution.
Having the patient go home and rest without addressing the underlying dehydration and metabolic alkalosis would not be appropriate as it can lead to further complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","F"]
Explanation
Muscle rigidity is a hallmark sign of malignant hyperthermia. It commonly affects the muscles of the jaw and upper chest.
Malignant hyperthermia can lead to rapid and shallow breathing, resulting in tachypnea. Malignant hyperthermia is characterized by a significant increase in body temperature, often exceeding 38.8°C (101.8°F).
Malignant hyperthermia can cause irregular heart rhythms or dysrhythmias, including tachycardia or arrhythmias.
The manifestations of hypertension and skin mottling are not typically associated with malignant hyperthermia. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is more commonly seen in conditions such as hypertensive emergencies or certain cardiovascular disorders. Skin mottling, which refers to irregular or patchy skin coloration, is not a specific manifestation of malignant hyperthermia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Chemotherapy is a treatment modality used to target and destroy rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. It works by interfering with the cell division process, which is a characteristic of cancer cells. However, it is important to note that chemotherapy drugs can also affect normal, healthy cells in the body that undergo rapid division, such as cells in the bone marrow, hair follicles, and gastrointestinal lining. This is why chemotherapy can be associated with side effects like bone marrow suppression, hair loss, and gastrointestinal disturbances. While the molecular structure of DNA can be altered by certain chemotherapeutic drugs, this explanation is not comprehensive enough to encompass the overall mechanism of action of chemotherapy.
The statement that "cancer cells are susceptible to drug toxins" is partially true, as cancer cells are generally more vulnerable to the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy drugs compared to normal cells.
Chemotherapy aims to disrupt the division and growth of cancer cells rather than promoting their division.
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