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NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is collecting data on a client who has respiratory acidosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Numbness of fingers
Numbness of fingers is not a sign of respiratory acidosis. It can be caused by other conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, Raynaud's syndrome, or carpal tunnel syndrome.
B. Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain is not a sign of respiratory acidosis. It can be caused by other conditions such as gastritis, appendicitis, or gallstones.
C. Dry skin
Dry skin is not a sign of respiratory acidosis. It can be caused by other conditions such as dehydration, eczema, or hypothyroidism.
D. Lethargy
Lethargy is a sign of respiratory acidosis, as it indicates a low level of oxygen and a high level of carbon dioxide in the brain. Lethargy is a state of reduced mental and physical activity, which can progress to confusion, coma, or death if not treated.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - NS117 T Winter 2023 Monroe college NY PN Fundamental of nursing proctored exam 2. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Numbness of fingers is not a sign of respiratory acidosis. It can be caused by other conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, Raynaud's syndrome, or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Choice B reason: Abdominal pain is not a sign of respiratory acidosis. It can be caused by other conditions such as gastritis, appendicitis, or gallstones.
Choice C reason: Dry skin is not a sign of respiratory acidosis. It can be caused by other conditions such as dehydration, eczema, or hypothyroidism.
Choice D reason: Lethargy is a sign of respiratory acidosis, as it indicates a low level of oxygen and a high level of carbon dioxide in the brain. Lethargy is a state of reduced mental and physical activity, which can progress to confusion, coma, or death if not treated.
Similar Questions
A nurse is caring for a client who has metabolic alkalosis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Place the client on continuous cardiac monitoring.
Placing the client on continuous cardiac monitoring is crucial because metabolic alkalosis can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias due to electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia. Continuous monitoring allows for the early detection and management of these arrhythmias, ensuring patient safety.
B. Obtain a prescription for insulin for the client.
Obtaining a prescription for insulin is not relevant for treating metabolic alkalosis. Insulin is typically used for managing hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis, not for correcting alkalosis.
C. Plan to administer sodium bicarbonate to the client.
Planning to administer sodium bicarbonate is incorrect because sodium bicarbonate is used to treat metabolic acidosis, not alkalosis. Administering it in this context could worsen the alkalosis.
D. Have the client breathe into a paper bag.
Having the client breathe into a paper bag is a technique used for respiratory alkalosis to increase CO2 levels. It is not appropriate for metabolic alkalosis, which requires different management strategies.
Full Explanation
The correct answer is: A. Place the client on continuous cardiac monitoring.
Choice A reason:
Placing the client on continuous cardiac monitoring is crucial because metabolic alkalosis can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias due to electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia. Continuous monitoring allows for the early detection and management of these arrhythmias, ensuring patient safety.
Choice B reason:
Obtaining a prescription for insulin is not relevant for treating metabolic alkalosis. Insulin is typically used for managing hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis, not for correcting alkalosis.
Choice C reason:
Planning to administer sodium bicarbonate is incorrect because sodium bicarbonate is used to treat metabolic acidosis, not alkalosis. Administering it in this context could worsen the alkalosis.
Choice D reason:
Having the client breathe into a paper bag is a technique used for respiratory alkalosis to increase CO2 levels. It is not appropriate for metabolic alkalosis, which requires different management strategies.
A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is placed on supplemental oxygen for hypoxia. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings indicate the intervention was effective?
A. Respiratory rate 28/min
Respiratory rate 28/min is not a sign of effective oxygen therapy, as it indicates tachypnea, which is a rapid breathing rate. Tachypnea can be caused by hypoxia, anxiety, fever, or pain.
B. Pink mucous membranes
Pink mucous membranes are a sign of effective oxygen therapy, as they indicate adequate oxygenation of the tissues. Pink mucous membranes are a normal finding, while pale, cyanotic, or jaundiced mucous membranes can indicate hypoxia or other problems.
C. Heart rate 110/min
Heart rate 110/min is not a sign of effective oxygen therapy, as it indicates tachycardia, which is a rapid heart rate. Tachycardia can be caused by hypoxia, stress, dehydration, or infection.
D. Restlessness
Restlessness is not a sign of effective oxygen therapy, as it indicates agitation, anxiety, or discomfort. Restlessness can be caused by hypoxia, pain, or medication side effects.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Respiratory rate 28/min is not a sign of effective oxygen therapy, as it indicates tachypnea, which is a rapid breathing rate. Tachypnea can be caused by hypoxia, anxiety, fever, or pain.
Choice B reason: Pink mucous membranes are a sign of effective oxygen therapy, as they indicate adequate oxygenation of the tissues. Pink mucous membranes are a normal finding, while pale, cyanotic, or jaundiced mucous membranes can indicate hypoxia or other problems.
Choice C reason: Heart rate 110/min is not a sign of effective oxygen therapy, as it indicates tachycardia, which is a rapid heart rate. Tachycardia can be caused by hypoxia, stress, dehydration, or infection.
Choice D reason: Restlessness is not a sign of effective oxygen therapy, as it indicates agitation, anxiety, or discomfort. Restlessness can be caused by hypoxia, pain, or medication side effects.
A nurse is obtaining a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity via a straight catheterization. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Collect urine from the catheter's port.
Collecting urine from the catheter's port is not a correct action for the nurse to take, as it can introduce contamination and infection into the urinary tract. The nurse should insert a new, sterile catheter into the bladder and collect the urine directly from the catheter.
B. Use a sterile specimen container.
Using a sterile specimen container is a correct action for the nurse to take, as it ensures that the urine sample is not contaminated by any bacteria or other substances. The nurse should label the container with the client's name, date, and time of collection and send it to the laboratory as soon as possible.
C. Use sterile water to inflate the balloon.
Using sterile water to inflate the balloon is not a relevant action for the nurse to take, as it applies to an indwelling catheter, not a straight catheter. A straight catheter does not have a balloon and is removed after the urine is drained.
D. Instruct the client to clean from front to back with an antiseptic solution.
Instructing the client to clean from front to back with an antiseptic solution is a good action for the nurse to take, as it helps to prevent the introduction of bacteria from the anal area into the urethra. However, it is not the best answer, as it is a general hygiene measure, not a specific action for obtaining a urine specimen.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Collecting urine from the catheter's port is not a correct action for the nurse to take, as it can introduce contamination and infection into the urinary tract. The nurse should insert a new, sterile catheter into the bladder and collect the urine directly from the catheter.
Choice B reason: Using a sterile specimen container is a correct action for the nurse to take, as it ensures that the urine sample is not contaminated by any bacteria or other substances. The nurse should label the container with the client's name, date, and time of collection and send it to the laboratory as soon as possible.
Choice C reason: Using sterile water to inflate the balloon is not a relevant action for the nurse to take, as it applies to an indwelling catheter, not a straight catheter. A straight catheter does not have a balloon and is removed after the urine is drained.
Choice D reason: Instructing the client to clean from front to back with an antiseptic solution is a good action for the nurse to take, as it helps to prevent the introduction of bacteria from the anal area into the urethra. However, it is not the best answer, as it is a general hygiene measure, not a specific action for obtaining a urine specimen.