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A nurse is assessing a client who has respiratory acidosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. Lethargy

Lethargy and/or altered mental status: Respiratory acidosis can lead to a decrease in the pH of the blood, resulting in acidemia. Acidemia affects the central nervous system and can cause lethargy, confusion, and other alterations in mental status. Other findings associated with respiratory acidosis may include: Headache Tachycardia (increased heart rate) Hypoventilation (shallow or slow breathing) Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to decreased oxygenation) Decreased blood pressure Abdominal pain, dry skin, and numbness of fingers are not typically associated with respiratory acidosis. These findings may be more indicative of other conditions or imbalances.

B. Abdominal pain

C. Dry skin

D. Numbness of fingers

This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI Med surg exam 1A Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now



Similar Questions

QUESTION

A home health nurse is assessing an older adult client in the home who has decreased vision due to a history of glaucoma. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a safety risk?

A. Scatter rugs are present in the kitchen.

Scatter rugs can pose a significant tripping hazard, especially for individuals with visual impairments. They are often not securely fastened to the floor, making them prone to slipping or sliding. If the client cannot see them clearly due to decreased vision, they may accidentally trip or lose their balance, leading to a fall and potential injuries. Electrical cords placed along the walls can be a tripping hazard if not properly secured or positioned, but they may not pose as high a risk as scatter rugs in terms of causing falls. Using a microwave for cooking is a common and safe method for meal preparation and does not necessarily pose a safety risk for an individual with decreased vision. Handrails present in the bathroom are actually beneficial for enhancing safety and preventing falls. They provide stability and support, especially in areas like the toilet and shower, where the risk of slips and falls is higher.

B. Electrical cords are placed along the walls.

C. Uses a microwave for cooking.

D. Handrails are present in the bathroom.

QUESTION

A nurse is teaching a class about the steps of critical thinking. The nurse should include that interpreting data is included in which of the following  steps? 

A. Analysis

Interpreting data is a key part of the analysis step in critical thinking. This involves examining and making sense of the information collected, identifying patterns, and determining their relevance to the problem or decision at hand.    

B. Intuition

Intuition involves understanding or knowing something without the need for conscious reasoning, which is more about gut feelings rather than analyzing data.

C. Creativity

Creativity involves generating new ideas or solutions, which is not directly related to interpreting existing data.

D. Questioning

Questioning involves asking questions to clarify information or challenge assumptions, but it is not the step where data interpretation occurs.

Full Explanation

The nurse should include that interpreting data is included in the step of:

A. Analysis: Interpreting data is a key part of the analysis step in critical thinking. This involves examining and making sense of the information collected, identifying patterns, and determining their relevance to the problem or decision at hand.

The other options do not specifically focus on interpreting data:

B. Intuition: Intuition involves understanding or knowing something without the need for conscious reasoning, which is more about gut feelings rather than analyzing data.

C. Creativity: Creativity involves generating new ideas or solutions, which is not directly related to interpreting existing data.

D. Questioning: Questioning involves asking questions to clarify information or challenge assumptions, but it is not the step where data interpretation occurs.

QUESTION

A nurse is assessing a client who has diarrhea. Which of the following findings is a manifestation of hypokalemia?

A. Hypertension

None

B. Muscle weakness

Hypokalemia refers to low levels of potassium in the blood. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that plays a crucial role in nerve and muscle cell functioning. When potassium levels are low, it can lead to muscle weakness or even muscle cramps. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is not commonly associated with hypokalemia. In fact, hypokalemia can sometimes cause low blood pressure (hypotension). Hyperactive bowel sounds are more commonly associated with conditions such as diarrhea, gastroenteritis, or bowel obstruction. While diarrhea can contribute to electrolyte imbalances, it is not a specific manifestation of hypokalemia. Cerebral edema refers to swelling in the brain and is not typically associated with hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is more likely to affect muscle and nerve function rather than cerebral edema.

C. Hyperactive bowel sounds

None

D. Cerebral edema

None

Full Explanation

Hypokalemia refers to low levels of potassium in the blood. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that plays a crucial role in nerve and muscle cell functioning. When potassium levels are low, it can lead to muscle weakness or even muscle cramps.

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is not commonly associated with hypokalemia. In fact, hypokalemia can sometimes cause low blood pressure (hypotension).

Hyperactive bowel sounds are more commonly associated with conditions such as diarrhea, gastroenteritis, or bowel obstruction. While diarrhea can contribute to electrolyte imbalances, it is not a specific manifestation of hypokalemia.


Cerebral edema refers to swelling in the brain and is not typically associated with hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is more likely to affect muscle and nerve function rather than cerebral edema.