Which erythrocyte characteristic would the nurse expect to see in the laboratory findings for a patient who has experienced acute blood loss?
Microcytic.
Normocytic.
Hypochromic.
Megaloblastic.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is: B. Normocytic.
Choice A rationale: Microcytic erythrocytes, or smaller-than-normal red blood cells, are typically seen in chronic conditions like iron deficiency anemia, not acute blood loss.
Choice B rationale: Normocytic erythrocytes, or normal-sized red blood cells, are usually seen in acute blood loss as the body's initial response doesn't alter the size of red blood cells.
Choice C rationale: Hypochromic erythrocytes, or paler-than-normal red blood cells, are more common in chronic anemia states such as iron deficiency.
Choice D rationale: Megaloblastic erythrocytes, or abnormally large red blood cells, are seen in conditions like vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, not in acute blood loss.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by low blood pH and low bicarbonate ion levels. In this case, the patient has a high bicarbonate ion level (25 mEq/L), indicating a compensatory response to respiratory acidosis. Metabolic alkalosis, on the other hand, would present with high pH and high bicarbonate ion levels.
Choice B rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by high blood pH and high bicarbonate ion levels. The patient's bicarbonate ion level (25 mEq/L) is within the normal range, and the low pH and high PaCO2 (49 mm Hg) indicate respiratory acidosis, not metabolic alkalosis.
Choice C rationale:
Respiratory acidosis is characterized by low blood pH and high partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels. In this case, the patient has a low pH (7.29) and elevated PaCO2 (49 mm Hg), indicating respiratory acidosis. The elevated bicarbonate ion level (25 mEq/L) is a compensatory response. Respiratory alkalosis would present with high pH and low PaCO2 levels.
Choice D rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by high blood pH and low PaCO2 levels. The patient's PaCO2 level is elevated (49 mm Hg), indicating respiratory acidosis, not alkalosis. The low pH (7.29) further supports the diagnosis of respiratory acidosis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Dizziness with a blood pressure of 150/92 mm Hg indicates hypertension, but it is not an immediate life-threatening condition requiring urgent assessment compared to a severe headache and vomiting.
Choice B rationale:
A severe headache and vomiting could be indicative of a serious neurological condition such as a stroke, intracranial bleeding, or increased intracranial pressure. This patient needs urgent assessment and intervention to prevent potential complications.
Choice C rationale:
A hip fracture with a pain level of 2 on a 1-to-10 scale suggests pain but is not immediately life-threatening compared to symptoms like severe headache and vomiting.
Choice D rationale:
Fatigue after receiving an ACE inhibitor is a common side effect and, while important to monitor, does not pose an immediate threat compared to the symptoms of severe headache and vomiting.
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