The nurse understands that the stress of critical illness may result in which of the following?
Excess glucose in the circulating blood.
Decrease glucose in the circulating blood.
Homeostasis is maintained
Negative feedback system in reversed.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Excess glucose in the circulating blood: Critical illness triggers a stress response, releasing cortisol, catecholamines, and glucagon, which increase gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. This results in hyperglycemia, even in patients without preexisting diabetes, as part of the body’s attempt to provide energy for vital organs.
B. Decrease glucose in the circulating blood: Glucose levels typically rise rather than fall during stress due to hormonal responses. Hypoglycemia is uncommon unless there is underlying metabolic dysfunction or prolonged fasting.
C. Homeostasis is maintained: Critical illness disrupts normal homeostasis, including fluid balance, electrolytes, and glucose regulation. The stress response temporarily shifts the body away from baseline equilibrium to meet increased metabolic demands.
D. Negative feedback system is reversed: Negative feedback mechanisms remain functional but may be overridden or insufficient during critical illness. Hormonal stress responses temporarily prioritize survival, rather than reversing feedback loops.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. pH 7.38, PaCO₂ 55 mmHg, HCO₃ 22 mEq/dL: A near-normal pH with elevated PaCO₂ suggests respiratory acidosis with partial compensation rather than a primary metabolic acidosis. DKA is characterized by low pH and low bicarbonate due to accumulation of ketone acids. These values do not reflect that pattern.
B. pH 7.50, PaCO₂ 42 mmHg, HCO₃ 30 mEq/dL: An elevated pH and increased bicarbonate indicate metabolic alkalosis. DKA involves excess acid production, not alkalosis. These findings are inconsistent with ketone-driven acid–base changes.
C. pH 7.32, PaCO₂ 38 mmHg, HCO₃ 14 mg/dL: A low pH with markedly decreased bicarbonate reflects metabolic acidosis. In DKA, bicarbonate is consumed buffering ketone acids, and PaCO₂ may be normal or slightly decreased due to compensatory hyperventilation. These values align with expected acid–base disturbances.
D. pH 7.44, PaCO₂ 40 mmHg, HCO₃ 24 mg/dL: Normal pH, PaCO₂, and bicarbonate indicate a stable acid–base balance. DKA presents with significant metabolic derangements rather than normal laboratory findings.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Burning and aching, located in the epigastric area and radiating to the shoulder: This pattern is more characteristic of gallbladder or biliary colic pain rather than acute pancreatitis.
B. Burning and aching located in the left lower quadrant and radiating to the groin: Pain in the left lower quadrant radiating to the groin is more typical of conditions such as diverticulitis or renal colic.
C. Severe and unrelenting located in the epigastric area and radiating to the neck and jaw area: Pain radiating to the neck and jaw is often associated with myocardial infarction or cardiac-related chest pain rather than pancreatic inflammation.
D. Severe and unrelenting located in the midabdominal region, epigastric that radiates to the back: Acute pancreatitis typically presents with severe, persistent epigastric or midabdominal pain that radiates to the back. The pain often worsens after eating and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and tenderness on palpation.
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