Which of the following is the primary treatment for metabolic acidosis?
Administer sodium bicarbonate
Increase fluid intake
Encourage deep breathing exercises
Administer insulin
The Correct Answer is A
A. Administer sodium bicarbonate: Metabolic acidosis reflects a deficit of bicarbonate; in severe, life-threatening acidosis (and after addressing the underlying cause), sodium bicarbonate may be given to raise serum bicarbonate and pH.
B. Increase fluid intake: Fluids may be supportive but do not correct the acid–base disturbance itself.
C. Encourage deep breathing exercises: Deep breathing increases CO₂ (if slow) and affects respiratory compensation; respiratory maneuvers are not the primary treatment for metabolic (vs respiratory) acidosis.
D. Administer insulin: Insulin is the primary treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis (a specific cause of metabolic acidosis), but it is not the universal primary treatment for all causes of metabolic acidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Have client use incentive spirometer and cough q2h while awake: Incentive spirometry prevents atelectasis and improves pulmonary hygiene but does not directly prevent venous thrombosis/PE.
B. Give Lovenox 40 mg subcutaneously daily: Low-molecular-weight heparin (e.g., enoxaparin/Lovenox) is commonly ordered postoperatively to prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
C. Have patient sit on bedside and dangle lower extremities: Prolonged sitting/leg dependency can promote venous stasis and increase DVT risk; early ambulation is preferred.
D. Give hydromorphone 1 to 4 mg IVP q4h prn: Opioid analgesia manages pain but does not prevent thrombophlebitis or PE; in fact, oversedation may reduce mobility and increase DVT risk.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Check the client's blood pressure: Before administering antihypertensives (calcium-channel blocker, beta blocker) and diuretics, assess blood pressure (and pulse) because these drugs can cause hypotension/bradycardia-vital-signs guide safe administration.
B. Double-check the healthcare provider (HCP) orders: Reasonable practice if orders are unclear, but routine double-checking is not the immediate priority when preparing to give BP-lowering meds -checking the patient’s vital signs is.
C. Contact the pharmacist to discuss the medication: Unnecessary as a first step unless there is a dosing/question/interaction concern; the nurse’s immediate pre-administration assessment should be vitals and allergies.
D. Hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider (HCP) on rounds: Not appropriate as a routine action; hold/notify only if assessment (e.g., low BP or pulse) suggests unsafe administration.
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