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?

pH 7.46, PaCO2 30, HCO3 24

pH 7.48, PaCO2 42, HCO3 29

pH 7.31, PaCO2 34, HCO3 18

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Fruity-smelling breath is a symptom of ketoacidosis, not hypoglycemia. Ketoacidosis occurs when the body produces high levels of ketones due to a lack of insulin, leading to metabolic acidosis.

Choice B reason: Sweating and nervousness are common symptoms of hypoglycemia. Low blood glucose levels trigger the release of adrenaline, which causes these symptoms. Patients should check their blood glucose when experiencing these signs to prevent severe hypoglycemia.

Choice C reason: Nausea and vomiting are more associated with ketoacidosis. High blood glucose levels and the presence of ketones can cause gastrointestinal upset.

Choice D reason: Increased thirst and urination are also symptoms of hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis. These symptoms result from the body's attempt to eliminate excess glucose and ketones through urine.

A. Bronchoconstriction B. Pulmonary edema C. Hemoptysis D. Pneumothorax

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Wheezing is a typical sound heard during bronchoconstriction, which occurs in conditions like asthma and COPD. It indicates that the airways are narrowed, causing the characteristic sound.

Choice B reason: Pulmonary edema typically presents with crackles or rales rather than wheezing. Wheezing would not be the primary indication of this condition.

Choice C reason: Hemoptysis refers to coughing up blood and does not typically present with wheezing. It might present with other sounds if there is an underlying lung issue, but wheezing is not specific to it.

Choice D reason: Pneumothorax generally presents with decreased or absent breath sounds on one side, not wheezing. It occurs when air enters the pleural space, causing lung collapse.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is teaching a patient with diabetes mellitus how to differentiate between hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis. The patient demonstrates understanding of hypoglycemia by stating they will check their blood glucose when experiencing which of the following symptoms?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is assessing a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is reporting dyspnea. The nurse auscultates the patient's chest and hears wheezing throughout the lung fields. What does this finding indicate to the nurse about this patient?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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