The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome who is receiving fluid replacement therapy with normal saline at 250 mL per hour along with a continuous insulin infusion. What potential complications of this treatment will the nurse monitor the patient for? (Select All That Apply)

Ketoacidosis

Pulmonary edema

Atelectasis

Hypoglycemia

Hypokalemia

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : B,D,E

Choice A reason: Ketoacidosis is not a typical complication of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS) treatment. HHS usually occurs without significant ketoacidosis, and the focus is on managing hyperglycemia and dehydration.

Choice B reason: Pulmonary edema is a potential complication of rapid fluid replacement therapy. The increased fluid volume can overwhelm the heart's ability to pump effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs.

Choice C reason: Atelectasis is not a common complication of HHS treatment. It is more related to lung collapse or infection rather than fluid or insulin therapy.

Choice D reason: Hypoglycemia is a potential complication of continuous insulin infusion. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary to prevent blood sugar from dropping too low during treatment.

Choice E reason: Hypokalemia is a potential complication of insulin therapy. Insulin promotes the uptake of potassium into cells, which can reduce serum potassium levels. Monitoring and managing potassium levels is important during HHS treatment.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

Choice A reason: A pH less than 7.35 indicates an acidic state, which is consistent with metabolic acidosis. The normal pH range is 7.35 to 7.45.

Choice B reason: HCO3 (bicarbonate) less than 22 mEq/L indicates a low level of bicarbonate, which is consistent with metabolic acidosis. Bicarbonate is a base, and lower levels indicate a loss of buffering capacity.

Choice C reason: PaCO2 greater than 45 mmHg is not a primary indicator of metabolic acidosis but can occur as a compensatory mechanism in response to respiratory acidosis. The primary indicators of metabolic acidosis are low pH and low bicarbonate.

Choice D reason: PaO2 less than 80 mmHg indicates hypoxemia but is not directly related to the diagnosis of metabolic acidosis. Hypoxemia can occur with various conditions, and while it may be present, it is not a defining characteristic of metabolic acidosis.

Choice E reason: SpO2 greater than 95% indicates normal oxygen saturation and is not relevant to the diagnosis of metabolic acidosis. Oxygen saturation primarily reflects respiratory function rather than acid-base balance.

A. pH 7.46, PaCO2 30, HCO3 24 B. pH 7.48, PaCO2 42, HCO3 29 C. pH 7.31, PaCO2 34, HCO3 18

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: The lab results pH 7.46, PaCO2 30, HCO3 24 suggest a slightly alkaline state with normal bicarbonate levels, which could indicate respiratory alkalosis with compensation. However, for a patient with a small bowel obstruction and nasogastric suction, this is less likely.

Choice B reason: The lab results pH 7.48, PaCO2 42, HCO3 29 indicate metabolic alkalosis. This is a common finding in patients with small bowel obstruction who have been on nasogastric suction, which removes stomach acids and leads to an increase in bicarbonate levels. The elevated pH and bicarbonate levels are consistent with this condition.

Choice C reason: The lab results pH 7.31, PaCO2 34, HCO3 18 indicate metabolic acidosis. This finding is inconsistent with the expected results for a patient with small bowel obstruction and nasogastric suction, which typically leads to metabolic alkalosis due to loss of gastric acid.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a patient with metabolic acidosis. Which laboratory findings will the nurse expect to support this diagnosis? (Select All That Apply)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with small bowel obstruction. A nasogastric tube with low continuous suction has been in place for 72 hours. Upon reviewing the blood work, which lab results will the nurse expect to see?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a patient with heart failure who is receiving lisinopril twice a day. What intervention will the nurse implement when administering this medication?

The nurse is caring for a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). What health education will the nurse teach the patient to prevent flares and complications of this condition?

The nurse is caring for a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). What clinical manifestations will the nurse anticipate the patient to present? (Select All That Apply)

The nurse is caring for a patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) whose platelet count is 10,000/mm³. What assessment finding will the nurse report to the provider immediately?

The nurse is caring for a patient with respiratory alkalosis. What will the nurse recognize as the potential cause of this acid-base imbalance?

The nurse is caring for a patient with type 2 diabetes who reports diaphoresis and palpitations. A blood glucose check reveals a level of 55 mg/dL. What is the nurse's immediate intervention?

The nurse is caring for a patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome. The patient is receiving intravenous fluids of normal saline with 20 mEq of potassium chloride and a continuous insulin infusion. Which finding will indicate to the nurse that the treatment is effective?

The nurse is caring for a trauma patient who has the following arterial blood gas (ABG) results: pH 7.52, PaCO2 55, HCO3 30 me/L. How will the nurse interpret these results?