What is hypercapnic respiratory failure?
A condition in which there is excessive carbon dioxide in the bloodstream leading to unconsciousness
A condition in which there is inadequate oxygen availability to the tissues
A condition in which there is insufficient removal of carbon dioxide from the body
A condition in which there is low arterial oxygen tension (PaO2)
The Correct Answer is C
A. A condition in which there is excessive carbon dioxide in the bloodstream leading to unconsciousness:
Hypercapnia may lead to unconsciousness eventually, but this option is too specific and not the definition of hypercapnic respiratory failure.
B. A condition in which there is inadequate oxygen availability to the tissues:
This describes hypoxic respiratory failure, not hypercapnic.
C. A condition in which there is insufficient removal of carbon dioxide from the body:
This is the correct definition of hypercapnic respiratory failure (Type 2), often seen in COPD or neuromuscular diseases.
D. A condition in which there is low arterial oxygen tension (PaO2):
This defines hypoxemic respiratory failure, not hypercapnic.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Schedule a follow-up appointment:
The patient is deceased - this action is irrelevant.
B. Ask the family about organ donation:
Organ donation may be discussed by designated personnel, but only after coroner notification if required. The nurse’s legal obligation is to report such deaths first.
C. Call the patient’s primary care physician:
This may be done later, but is not the legal priority in an unexpected or early ER death.
D. Call the coroner:
Unexplained or early deaths (especially within 24 hours of admission) must be reported to the coroner/medical examiner for investigation as required by law.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The client who has a severe burn injury:
Severe burns can lead to hypovolemic or distributive (septic) shock, not neurogenic shock.
B. The client who has chronic kidney disease:
CKD may lead to electrolyte imbalances or uremia, but not directly to neurogenic shock.
C. The client experiencing an asthma attack:
This may lead to obstructive shock (due to respiratory failure), not neurogenic shock.
D. The client whose head whips violently due to a car crash, causing his neck to hit the steering wheel and fracturing a vertebrae in the cervical region:
Neurogenic shock results from spinal cord injury, particularly in the cervical or upper thoracic spine, leading to loss of sympathetic tone, bradycardia, and hypotension.
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