The nurse is caring for a patient with respiratory alkalosis. What will the nurse recognize as the potential cause of this acid-base imbalance?
Hypoventilation
Panic attacks
Pneumonia
Congestive heart failure
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Hypoventilation is not a cause of respiratory alkalosis. Hypoventilation leads to respiratory acidosis due to the retention of carbon dioxide (CO2). Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is excessive exhalation of CO2, leading to a higher pH (alkaline).
Choice B reason: Panic attacks can cause respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation. During a panic attack, a person may breathe rapidly and deeply, leading to excessive loss of CO2. This reduces the CO2 levels in the blood and increases the pH, resulting in respiratory alkalosis.
Choice C reason: Pneumonia is more likely to cause respiratory acidosis or metabolic acidosis rather than respiratory alkalosis. Pneumonia can impair gas exchange, leading to CO2 retention and decreased oxygen levels, which are not typical triggers for respiratory alkalosis.
Choice D reason: Congestive heart failure can lead to respiratory alkalosis, but it is more commonly associated with metabolic acidosis due to poor perfusion and anaerobic metabolism. Hyperventilation in heart failure patients can lead to respiratory alkalosis, but panic attacks are a more direct and common cause.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Encouraging the patient to rest in bed for most of the day may lead to further deconditioning and muscle weakness. While rest is important, balancing activity and rest is more beneficial for managing fatigue in chronic anemia.
Choice B reason: Administering a high-protein diet including caffeinated beverages to increase energy levels is not recommended. While a high-protein diet can support energy and muscle strength, caffeine may cause jitteriness and disrupt sleep, which can exacerbate fatigue.
Choice C reason: Assisting the patient with ADLs and encouraging frequent rest periods is appropriate for managing fatigue, weakness, and activity intolerance in chronic anemia. This approach helps the patient conserve energy while maintaining some level of activity to prevent deconditioning.
Choice D reason: Providing supplemental oxygen via face mask during vigorous exercises is not appropriate. Patients with chronic anemia should avoid vigorous exercises that could exacerbate fatigue and weakness. The focus should be on moderate, manageable activities with adequate rest.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Kussmaul breathing is a sign of metabolic acidosis, not metabolic alkalosis. It is characterized by deep, labored breathing as the body tries to expel excess carbon dioxide.
Choice B reason: Positive Chvostek sign is an indication of hypocalcemia, which can be associated with metabolic alkalosis. It is a facial muscle twitch that occurs when the facial nerve is tapped.
Choice C reason: Hematemesis, or vomiting blood, is not a clinical manifestation of metabolic alkalosis. It is more related to gastrointestinal bleeding.
Choice D reason: Distended jugular veins are more commonly associated with conditions such as heart failure and fluid overload, not specifically with metabolic alkalosis.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.