The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) who is complaining of diplopia. Which intervention would be appropriate for the client with this problem?
Assess for conjunctival bleeding
Encourage the use of sunglasses when outside
Alternate the use of an eye patch on each eye
Apply cool compresses for pain relief
This result is consistent with partially compensated respiratory alkalosis. In respiratory alkalosis, the pH would be elevated (alkalotic), PaCO2 would be low (indicating hyperventilation), and the kidneys would attempt to compensate by lowering bicarbonate (HCO3). In this case, the low PaCO2 (23 mmHg) and the low HCO3 (14 mEq/L) demonstrate partial compensation. The pH is also elevated at 7.64, which aligns with alkalosis. This is the correct answer for partially compensated respiratory alkalosis.
The Correct Answer is C
A) Assess for conjunctival bleeding
Conjunctival bleeding refers to blood in the white part of the eye (the conjunctiva), which is typically associated with trauma, infections, or certain blood disorders, but it is not a common cause of diplopia (double vision). Diplopia in multiple sclerosis (MS) is more often due to nerve damage affecting the eye muscles or the pathways controlling eye movement. Therefore, assessing for conjunctival bleeding is not a priority intervention for a client with diplopia related to MS.
B) Encourage the use of sunglasses when outside
While wearing sunglasses may help alleviate light sensitivity, which is a common symptom in individuals with MS, it is not the most appropriate intervention for treating diplopia itself. Diplopia is typically caused by issues with eye muscle control or coordination, often related to the central nervous system. Therefore, while sunglasses might provide comfort, they do not address the underlying cause of the double vision.
C) Alternate the use of an eye patch on each eye
Alternating the use of an eye patch on each eye is an effective intervention for managing diplopia, especially when the cause is related to misalignment or weakness of the eye muscles. The eye patch works by covering one eye at a time to prevent double vision. In MS, this technique can help reduce the visual disturbance and provide relief until further interventions (such as eye exercises or medications) can be considered. This approach is commonly used to manage diplopia caused by nerve involvement affecting ocular muscle function.
D) Apply cool compresses for pain relief
Cool compresses may provide relief for eye irritation or inflammation, but they are not typically used to treat diplopia. Diplopia in MS is more related to neuromuscular dysfunction or nerve damage, rather than acute inflammation or irritation of the eye. Therefore, while a cool compress may offer temporary relief for other symptoms, it is not a targeted solution for double vision in this context.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Administer antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications to prevent further clot formation:
While antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications are essential in the management of STEMI to reduce the risk of further clot formation, they are not the primary goal of treatment in the immediate phase. These medications are typically administered before or during the procedure (such as during cardiac catheterization) to prevent new clots, but the primary objective is to restore blood flow to the heart muscle through reperfusion therapy, either by angioplasty or thrombolytics.
B) Relieve the blockage in the coronary artery and restore blood flow to the heart muscle:
This is the primary goal of treatment in STEMI. The most urgent intervention for a client with an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is to relieve the blockage in the coronary artery and restore blood flow to the ischemic heart muscle. This is typically achieved through percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via cardiac catheterization, which involves either angioplasty (ballooning the artery) or stent placement. Restoring blood flow as quickly as possible reduces the extent of myocardial damage, improves the prognosis, and prevents complications like heart failure.
C) Provide pain relief and initiate cardiac rehabilitation:
Pain relief is important in the initial management of STEMI, typically with nitroglycerin and opioids for chest pain. However, the immediate goal in the ED is to address the underlying cause of the chest pain, which is the blockage of blood flow. Cardiac rehabilitation, while essential for long-term recovery, is not the immediate goal of treatment during the acute phase of a STEMI. The primary focus should be on restoring circulation to the affected myocardium.
D) Stabilize the client's blood pressure and administer thrombolytic therapy:
Stabilizing the client’s blood pressure is important, especially if the client is hypotensive, but it is not the main treatment goal. Thrombolytic therapy (clot-busting medications) is an option if PCI is not available or if it needs to be done within a certain time frame; however, the current best practice in STEMI is to perform PCI as soon as possible. Thrombolytics are typically used when PCI is not immediately available, but the ideal treatment is to restore blood flow through catheterization in a timely manner, as it is more effective than thrombolytic therapy at re-opening the blocked artery.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Partially compensated metabolic alkalosis:
Metabolic alkalosis is typically characterized by an elevated pH and a high bicarbonate level (HCO3 >26 mEq/L). In this scenario, the pH is normal (7.44), and the bicarbonate level (HCO3 18 mEq/L) is low, which does not support a diagnosis of metabolic alkalosis. Furthermore, there is no evidence of compensation by respiratory mechanisms (i.e., low PaCO2). Therefore, this is not a likely diagnosis.
B) Partially compensated metabolic acidosis:
The ABG values indicate metabolic acidosis with a low bicarbonate level (HCO3 18 mEq/L) and a pH of 7.44, which is on the higher end of the normal range. A lower-than-normal bicarbonate level suggests an acidotic state, but the pH is compensating toward normal. The PaCO2 of 30 mmHg indicates a compensatory respiratory alkalosis, which would lower the PaCO2 to try to offset the acidosis. This represents a partially compensated metabolic acidosis, where the body is attempting to compensate for the acidosis but has not fully done so.
C) Fully compensated respiratory acidosis:
Respiratory acidosis is associated with elevated levels of carbon dioxide (PaCO2 >45 mmHg), which leads to a drop in pH. However, in this scenario, the PaCO2 is only 30 mmHg, which is lower than the normal range (35-45 mmHg), indicating that the problem is not respiratory acidosis. Additionally, fully compensated respiratory acidosis would show a normal pH with an elevated PaCO2 and compensatory elevation in bicarbonate levels. Thus, this option does not fit the ABG values.
D) Fully compensated respiratory alkalosis:
Respiratory alkalosis occurs when excessive CO2 is exhaled, leading to an elevated pH and a low PaCO2. Although the PaCO2 is low (30 mmHg), which could suggest respiratory alkalosis, the bicarbonate (HCO3) is low at 18 mEq/L, not high as would be expected in a fully compensated respiratory alkalosis. In a fully compensated state, the pH would be normal (around 7.4), and there would be compensatory changes in both the bicarbonate and PaCO2. Since the bicarbonate is low and the pH is not at normal levels, this diagnosis is not appropriate.
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