Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is reviewing the ABG values of a client. The client has a pH of 7.2, PaCO2 of 60 mm Hg, and HCO3 of 25 mEq/L. The nurse should identify that the client has which of the following acid-base imbalances?
A. Respiratory alkalosis
The client does not have respiratory alkalosis because respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a low PaCO2 (less than 35 mm Hg) and a high pH (greater than 7.45)
B. Metabolic alkalosis
The client does not have metabolic alkalosis because metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high HCO3 (greater than 26 mEq/L) and a high pH (greater than 7.45).
C. Respiratory acidosis
The client has respiratory acidosis because respiratory acidosis is characterized by a high PaCO2 (greater than 45 mm Hg) and a low pH (less than 7.35).
D. Metabolic acidosis
The client does not have metabolic acidosis because metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low HCO3 (less than 22 mEq/L) and a low pH (less than 7.35).
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - RN Comprehensive Online Practice 2019 B with NGN Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Respiratory acidosis.
Rationale:
- A. Incorrect. The client does not have respiratory alkalosis because respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a low PaCO2 (less than 35 mm Hg) and a high pH (greater than 7.45).
- B. Incorrect. The client does not have metabolic alkalosis because metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high HCO3 (greater than 26 mEq/L) and a high pH (greater than 7.45). - C. Correct. The client has respiratory acidosis because respiratory acidosis is characterized by a high PaCO2 (greater than 45 mm Hg) and a low pH (less than 7.35).
- D. Incorrect. The client does not have metabolic acidosis because metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low HCO3 (less than 22 mEq/L) and a low pH (less than 7.35).
Similar Questions
A nurse must recommend clients for discharge in order to make room for several critically injured clients from a local disaster. Which of the following clients should the nurse recommend for discharge?
A. A client who has cellulitis and is receiving oral antibiotics every 8 hr
A client who has cellulitis and is receiving oral antibiotics every 8 hr has a mild to moderate infection that can be managed at home with proper wound care and medication adherence. The client does not require hospitalization unless there are signs of systemic infection or complications.
B. A client who is postoperative following an upper endoscopy procedure and is alert but does not have a gag reflex
A client who is postoperative following an upper endoscopy procedure and is alert but does not have a gag reflex has a high risk of aspiration and airway obstruction due to impaired swallowing function. The client requires close monitoring and intervention until the gag reflex returns, which can take several hours or longer depending on the type and amount of anesthesia used.
C. A mother and their newborn 12 hr postdelivery
A mother and their newborn 12 hr postdelivery have not completed the minimum recommended stay of 24 to 48 hours for uncomplicated vaginal deliveries or 72 to 96 hours for cesarean deliveries, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The mother and their newborn require assessment, education, support, and follow-up care to ensure their health and well-being.
D. A client who has lower extremity weakness and is newly admitted for observation
A client who has lower extremity weakness and is newly admitted for observation has an undiagnosed condition that could indicate a serious neurological or vascular problem, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, or peripheral artery disease. The client requires diagnostic testing, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation to prevent further deterioration or complications.
Full Explanation
A: A client who has cellulitis and is receiving oral antibiotics every 8 hr has a mild to moderate infection that can be managed at home with proper wound care and medication adherence. The client does not require hospitalization unless there are signs of systemic infection or complications.
B: A client who is postoperative following an upper endoscopy procedure and is alert but does not have a gag reflex has a high risk of aspiration and airway obstruction due to impaired swallowing function. The client requires close monitoring and intervention until the gag reflex returns, which can take several hours or longer depending on the type and amount of anesthesia used.
C: A mother and their newborn 12 hr postdelivery have not completed the minimum recommended stay of 24 to 48 hours for uncomplicated vaginal deliveries or 72 to 96 hours for cesarean deliveries, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The mother and their newborn require assessment, education, support, and follow-up care to ensure their health and well-being.
D: A client who has lower extremity weakness and is newly admitted for observation has an undiagnosed condition that could indicate a serious neurological or vascular problem, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, or peripheral artery disease. The client requires diagnostic testing, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation to prevent further deterioration or complications.
A nurse is providing information to a client immediately before his scheduled Romberg test.
Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
A. "You will be standing with your feet 1 foot apart."
The client should stand with their feet together, not 1 foot apart, for the Romberg test.
B. "You will place and hold your hands on your hips."
The client should hold their arms at their sides, not on their hips, for the Romberg test.
C. "I will be standing across the room from you to evaluate your sense of balance."
The nurse should stand close to the client, not across the room, to prevent injury in case of a fall.
D. "I will be checking you once with your eyes open and once with them closed."
The Romberg test involves checking the client's balance with their eyes open and then with their eyes closed.
Full Explanation
A is incorrect because the client should stand with their feet together, not 1 foot apart, for the Romberg test.
B is incorrect because the client should hold their arms at their sides, not on their hips, for the Romberg test.
C is incorrect because the nurse should stand close to the client, not across the room, to prevent injury in case of a fall.
D is correct because the Romberg test involves checking the client's balance with their eyes open and then with their eyes closed.
During a change-of-shift report, a night shift nurse informs the day shift nurse that a newly admitted client was disoriented and combative during the night. Which of the following actions should the day shift nurse take?
A. Keep the client's television on with the volume low
Keep the client's television on with the volume low: This is incorrect because it does not address the client's safety or agitation. The television might also be a source of confusion or stimulation for the client.
B. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter to minimize interaction with the client
Insert an indwelling urinary catheter to minimize interaction with the client: This is incorrect because it is an invasive and unnecessary procedure that increases the risk of infection and trauma. It also violates the client's dignity and autonomy.
C. Consult the provider regarding administering a mild sedative on a schedule
Consult the provider regarding administering a mild sedative on a schedule: This is incorrect because it is not the first action to take. The nurse should first assess the client's condition and identify possible causes of disorientation and combativeness, such as pain, infection, medication side effects, or delirium. Sedatives should be used as a last resort and only with informed consent.
D. Move the client to a room near the nurses' station
Move the client to a room near the nurses' station: This is correct because it allows for close observation and supervision of the client, which can prevent injury and promote safety. It also facilitates frequent interaction and reassurance from the staff, which can reduce anxiety and agitation.
Full Explanation
Move the client to a room near the nurses' station.
- A. Keep the client's television on with the volume low: This is incorrect because it does not address the client's safety or agitation. The television might also be a source of confusion or stimulation for the client.
- B. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter to minimize interaction with the client: This is incorrect because it is an invasive and unnecessary procedure that increases the risk of infection and trauma. It also violates the client's dignity and autonomy.
- C. Consult the provider regarding administering a mild sedative on a schedule: This is incorrect because it is not the first action to take. The nurse should first assess the client's condition and identify possible causes of disorientation and combativeness, such as pain, infection, medication side effects, or delirium. Sedatives should be used as a last resort and only with informed consent.
- D. Move the client to a room near the nurses' station: This is correct because it allows for close observation and supervision of the client, which can prevent injury and promote safety. It also facilitates frequent interaction and reassurance from the staff, which can reduce anxiety and agitation.