The nurse is caring for a client experiencing respiratory alkalosis. Which of these conditions is a causative agent?
pneumonia
brain injury
anxiety
emphysema
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Pneumonia typically causes respiratory acidosis due to impaired gas exchange and CO₂ retention.
B. Brain injuries can affect respiratory patterns, but they are not the most common or direct cause of respiratory alkalosis.
C. Anxiety often leads to hyperventilation, which causes excessive loss of CO₂, resulting in respiratory alkalosis.
D. Emphysema is associated with CO₂ retention, leading to respiratory acidosis, not alkalosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Calcium of 8.2 mg/dL is slightly low but less immediately life-threatening.
B. Phosphorus 5.1 mEq/L is mildly elevated but usually less critical.
C. Potassium 2.4 mEq/L is significantly low (normal 3.5–5.0 mEq/L) and can cause muscle weakness, cardiac dysrhythmias, and is a medical emergency.
D. Sodium 145 mEq/L is within normal limits.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. This is an early and potentially serious sign of cardiac involvement in hypokalemia. It can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Continuous cardiac monitoring is essential in patients with low potassium levels.
B. Muscle cramps – Common in hypokalemia due to muscle cell irritability, but not immediately life-threatening like cardiac effects.
C. Fatigue is a general symptom of hypokalemia, but nonspecific and not as critical as ECG changes.
D. Decreased bowel sounds – Reflects reduced smooth muscle activity (hypokalemia can slow GI motility), but this is also less critical than cardiac dysrhythmias.
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