The nurse has just received a change of shift report on four patients. Which patient will the nurse assess first?
A post-operative patient after thyroid surgery preparing for discharge with a new medication
A patient diagnosed with Cushing's disease after insertion of a nasogastric tube
A patient scheduled for a chest radiograph who is anxious about their treatment
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who requested a breathing treatment during the previous shift
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: While a post-operative patient preparing for discharge is important, they are stable enough to be considered for discharge and do not require immediate assessment.
Choice B reason: A patient with Cushing's disease after insertion of a nasogastric tube may need monitoring, but this is not as urgent as a patient with potential respiratory distress.
Choice C reason: A patient scheduled for a chest radiograph who is anxious about their treatment does not require immediate intervention compared to a patient experiencing respiratory issues.
Choice D reason: A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who requested a breathing treatment during the previous shift may be experiencing respiratory distress and requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent further complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Respiratory alkalosis with partial compensation is characterized by a high pH, low PaCO2, and a compensatory decrease in HCO3. In this case, the pH is high (alkaline), PaCO2 is high, and HCO3 is elevated, indicating that the primary disorder is metabolic alkalosis, not respiratory alkalosis.
Choice B reason: Metabolic alkalosis with partial compensation is indicated by a high pH (alkaline), high HCO3 (bicarbonate), and a high PaCO2 (carbon dioxide) as a compensatory mechanism by the respiratory system. In this case, the pH is 7.52 (alkaline), PaCO2 is 55 mmHg, and HCO3 is 30 mEq/L, which fits the profile of metabolic alkalosis with the respiratory system attempting to compensate by retaining CO2.
Choice C reason: Metabolic alkalosis with no compensation would present with a high pH and high HCO3, but normal PaCO2. In this case, the PaCO2 is elevated, indicating that there is some level of respiratory compensation occurring, which rules out the "no compensation" scenario.
Choice D reason: Metabolic acidosis with partial compensation would present with a low pH, low HCO3, and low PaCO2 as a compensatory mechanism. In this case, the pH is high (alkaline), not low, which is inconsistent with metabolic acidosis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Lethargy and hypoxia are not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is excessive exhalation of carbon dioxide, leading to a decrease in blood CO2 levels and an increase in pH. Lethargy and hypoxia are more often related to respiratory acidosis, where CO2 accumulates due to hypoventilation.
Choice B reason: Light-headedness and muscle spasms are common clinical manifestations of respiratory alkalosis. The decrease in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels leads to cerebral vasoconstriction, resulting in light-headedness or dizziness. Additionally, respiratory alkalosis can cause a shift of calcium in the blood, leading to muscle spasms, tingling, and even tetany.
Choice C reason: Hypotension and respiratory depression are not typical findings in respiratory alkalosis. Hypotension can be a symptom of various conditions but is not directly associated with respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory depression is related to hypoventilation and respiratory acidosis, not hyperventilation.
Choice D reason: Muscle twitching and hyperkalaemia are not manifestations of respiratory alkalosis. Hyperkalaemia is more commonly seen in metabolic acidosis and not in respiratory alkalosis. Muscle twitching can occur in various conditions, but respiratory alkalosis typically causes muscle spasms and tetany due to calcium shifts.
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