The nurse is caring for a client who has developed metabolic alkalosis. Which intervention would be a priority for the nurse to implement?
Assess for decreased respiratory rate
Diet teaching to include low protein foods
Obtain daily weight
Check blood glucose
The Correct Answer is A
Metabolic alkalosis is an acid-base imbalance characterized by excessive loss of acid or excessive gain of bicarbonate produced by an underlying pathologic disorder. It's essential to address this condition promptly.
a. Assess for decreased respiratory rate: Metabolic alkalosis leads to hypoventilation as the body compensates by retaining carbon dioxide. Monitoring respiratory rate is crucial to detect any signs of respiratory distress or inadequate ventilation¹.
- Priority: High
b. Diet teaching to include low protein foods: While dietary adjustments are important, addressing the underlying cause (such as vomiting, diuretic use, or excessive alkali intake) is more critical. Low protein foods alone won't correct metabolic alkalosis.
- Priority: Low
c. Obtain daily weight: Daily weight monitoring is essential for assessing fluid balance, but it doesn't directly address metabolic alkalosis. Other interventions take precedence.
- Priority: Medium.
d. Check blood glucose: Blood glucose levels are not directly related to metabolic alkalosis. Focusing on acid-base balance and electrolyte levels is more relevant.
- Priority: Low
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rheumatic fever: This inflammatory condition can affect various parts of the heart, including the mitral and aortic valves. Repeated episodes of rheumatic fever can lead to scarring and thickening of the heart valves, eventually causing stenosis (narrowing) of the mitral or aortic valve.
b. Endocarditis: This infection of the heart lining or valves can damage the structures, but it's not as directly linked to both mitral and aortic stenosis as rheumatic fever.
c. Marfan’s syndrome:Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that can affect connective tissue throughout the body, including the heart valves. It is commonly associated with aortic root dilatation and aortic regurgitation rather than aortic stenosis. While aortic valve involvement can occur in Marfan syndrome, it is not typically associated with mitral stenosis.
d. Female gender: While gender differences exist in the prevalence of certain cardiovascular conditions, such as rheumatic heart disease affecting more females than males, gender alone is not a significant risk factor for the development of either mitral or aortic stenosis.
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
a. Bloody sputum: Bloody sputum is not typically associated with aortic stenosis. It may be indicative of other conditions such as pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, or bronchitis, but it is not a common symptom of aortic stenosis. Therefore, this symptom is not anticipated.
b. Peripheral edema: Peripheral edema is not a common symptom of isolated aortic stenosis. It is more commonly associated with conditions such as heart failure, where fluid retention leads to swelling in the extremities. Therefore, peripheral edema is not typically anticipated in aortic stenosis.
c. Dyspnea on exertion: Dyspnea on exertion is a classic symptom of aortic stenosis. It occurs due to the narrowing of the aortic valve, which leads to increased resistance to blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta during physical activity. This can result in breathlessness and difficulty breathing during exertion.
d. Angina: Angina, or chest pain, is a common symptom of aortic stenosis, especially in cases where there is concurrent coronary artery disease (CAD). Aortic stenosis can increase myocardial oxygen demand, leading to ischemia and chest pain, particularly during exertion.
e. Syncope: Syncope, or fainting, is a serious symptom of aortic stenosis and indicates severe disease. It typically occurs due to decreased cardiac output during exertion, leading to inadequate cerebral perfusion. Syncope in aortic stenosis is often exertional and may occur with activities such as exercise or even just walking.
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