The nurse is caring for a client in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The chest x-ray displays evidence of pulmonary edema. The nurse assesses the client for which clinical manifestation?

Wheezes on inspiration

Blood pressure 170/90

Tachypnea

Bradycardia

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Wheezes on inspiration: Wheezing is typically associated with obstructive pulmonary conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and is caused by narrowing of the airways. In ARDS, the pathophysiology involves inflammation and fluid accumulation in the alveoli, which leads to impaired oxygen exchange but not typically to wheezing. Instead, crackles or rales (a fine, wet sound) are more commonly heard on auscultation in ARDS, particularly as fluid builds up in the alveoli.

B. Blood pressure 170/90: Although ARDS can be associated with hemodynamic instability, elevated blood pressure (170/90 mmHg) is not a typical finding. In fact, ARDS is more commonly associated with low blood pressure or hypotension, particularly if the client is experiencing shock or is on mechanical ventilation. Elevated blood pressure could suggest another issue, such as pain, anxiety, or the use of medications like vasopressors. It is not directly related to the pulmonary edema seen in ARDS.

C. Tachypnea: Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, is a hallmark clinical manifestation of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In ARDS, pulmonary edema (fluid accumulation in the lungs) occurs as a result of damage to the alveolar-capillary membrane, leading to impaired gas exchange. The body attempts to compensate for decreased oxygenation by increasing the respiratory rate, leading to tachypnea. This is an early sign of respiratory distress and often precedes hypoxemia and other more severe manifestations. The nurse should closely monitor for tachypnea, as it can indicate worsening respiratory compromise.

D. Bradycardia: Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not typically associated with ARDS. In fact, tachycardia (an elevated heart rate) is more commonly seen in response to hypoxia, respiratory distress, or as a compensatory mechanism for low blood pressure in critical illness. Bradycardia could indicate other issues such as vagal stimulation, medication effects, or electrolyte imbalances but is not characteristic of ARDS itself. 4o mini

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Arrange for social service consult for assistance with medication purchase:
While arranging for social service support can be beneficial in ensuring the client has access to necessary medications, this is not directly related to fall prevention at home. Falls in Parkinson's disease are more closely associated with mobility, balance, and environmental factors, which should be the focus of interventions aimed at reducing fall risk. Medication access is important but secondary to safety measures related to physical environment and mobility.

B) Have the client seen by a nursing assistant 3 times a week for hygiene:
While assistance with hygiene can certainly help support the client’s daily needs, the frequency of visits for hygiene care alone does not specifically address fall prevention. Falls are more directly linked to issues such as impaired balance, freezing episodes, and poor mobility—issues that should be addressed through environmental modifications and specific interventions aimed at improving safety during ambulation and transfers.

C) Ensure adequate lighting in areas where the client will ambulate:
Ensuring adequate lighting in areas where the client will ambulate is a critical intervention for fall prevention in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease often causes balance and coordination problems, and inadequate lighting can increase the risk of tripping or falling, especially at night or in poorly lit areas. Proper lighting helps the client see obstacles and navigate their environment safely. This intervention directly addresses a key factor in fall risk and is an important part of the plan of care.

D) Refer the client to a nutritionist to address dietary measures:
Referral to a nutritionist can be helpful in managing some aspects of Parkinson's disease, particularly for addressing issues like constipation, weight management, or dysphagia. However, dietary measures do not have a direct impact on fall prevention. Fall prevention should focus more on mobility, strength, environmental safety, and managing the symptoms of Parkinson's disease that affect balance and movement.

A. pH 7.32, Pa02 88 mmHg, PaCO2 50 mmHg, HCO3 29 mEq/L, 02 sat 94% B. pH 7.35, Pa02 98 mmHg, PaCO2 55 mmHg, HCO3 28 mEq/L, 02 sat 99% C. pH 7.64, PaO2 94 mmHg, PaCO2 23 mmHg, HCO3 14 mEq/L, 02 sat 88% D. PH 7.50, Pa02 91 mmHg, PaCO2 52 mmHg, HCO3 30 mEq/L, 02 sat 96%

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) pH 7.32, PaO2 88 mmHg, PaCO2 50 mmHg, HCO3 29 mEq/L, O2 sat 94%
This result suggests respiratory acidosis rather than respiratory alkalosis. In respiratory acidosis, the pH would be low (acidotic), PaCO2 would be elevated (since it reflects CO2 retention), and HCO3 would typically be elevated as a compensatory mechanism. This set of ABG values does not align with respiratory alkalosis, so it is not consistent with partially compensated respiratory alkalosis.

B) pH 7.35, PaO2 98 mmHg, PaCO2 55 mmHg, HCO3 28 mEq/L, O2 sat 99%
This set of values suggests respiratory acidosis, as indicated by a low pH (acidosis) and high PaCO2 (carbon dioxide retention). The HCO3 value is slightly elevated in compensation for respiratory acidosis, but this is not an example of partially compensated respiratory alkalosis, so it doesn't match the question's requirement.

C) pH 7.64, PaO2 94 mmHg, PaCO2 23 mmHg, HCO3 14 mEq/L, O2 sat 88%
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.

D) pH 7.50, PaO2 91 mmHg, PaCO2 52 mmHg, HCO3 30 mEq/L, O2 sat 96%
This result suggests respiratory acidosis with compensation. The elevated PaCO2 (52 mmHg) indicates CO2 retention, leading to acidosis, while the slightly elevated HCO3 (30 mEq/L) shows that the kidneys are compensating for the respiratory acidosis. The pH of 7.50 is slightly alkalotic, but it is more consistent with compensation for respiratory acidosis rather than respiratory alkalosis. Thus, this set of ABG values does not match the description of partially compensated respiratory alkalosis.

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The nurse is caring for a client in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The chest x-ray displays evidence of pulmonary edema. The nurse assesses the client for which clinical manifestation?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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