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A 53-year-old, 80-kg patient is admitted to the cardiac sur gical intensive care unit after cardiac surgery with the following arterial blood gas (ABG ) levels. What is the nurse’s interpretation of these values? pH 7.4 PaCO 40 mm Hg Bicarbonate 24 mEq/L PaO 95 mm Hg O saturation 97% Respirations 20 breaths per minute
- A. Compensated metabolic acidosis
- B. Metabolic alkalosis
- C. Normal ABG values
- D. Respiratory acidosis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct interpretation is C: Normal ABG values.
1. pH is within the normal range of 7.35-7.45.
2. PaCO2 is 40 mm Hg, within the normal range of 35-45 mm Hg.
3. Bicarbonate is 24 mEq/L, within the normal range of 22-26 mEq/L.
4. PaO2 is 95 mm Hg, within the normal range of 80-100 mm Hg.
5. Oxygen saturation is 97%, which is normal.
6. Respirations are also within the normal range at 20 breaths per minute.
Overall, all values fall within the normal range, indicating a well-maintained acid-base balance. Other choices are incorrect because there are no abnormalities that would suggest compensated metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, or respiratory acidosis based on the given ABG values.
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A PaCO 2 of 48 mm Hg is associated with what outcome?
- A. Hyperventilation
- B. Hypoventilation
- C. Increased absorption of O
- D. Increased excretion of HCO
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypoventilation. A PaCO2 of 48 mm Hg indicates an elevated level of carbon dioxide in the blood, which is typically seen in hypoventilation where the lungs are not effectively removing CO2. Hypoventilation leads to respiratory acidosis. Option A is incorrect because hyperventilation would decrease PaCO2 levels. Option C is incorrect as it does not directly relate to PaCO2 levels. Option D is incorrect as increased excretion of HCO3- would not directly affect PaCO2 levels.
The nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone major abdominal surgery. The nurse notices that the patient’s urine output has been less than 20 mL/hour for the past 2 hours. The patient’s blood pressure is 100/60 mm Hg, and the pulse is 110 beats/min. Previously, the pulse was 90 beats/min with a blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg. The nurse should
- A. contact the provider and expect a prescription for a normal saline bolus.
- B. wait until the provider makes rounds to report the assessment findings.
- C. continue to evaluate urine output for 2 more hours.
- D. ignore the urine output, as this is most likely postrenal in origin.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: contact the provider and expect a prescription for a normal saline bolus. The patient is showing signs of hypovolemia with decreased urine output, low blood pressure, and elevated heart rate. This indicates inadequate perfusion and potential hypovolemic shock. Administering a normal saline bolus will help restore intravascular volume and improve perfusion. Waiting for the provider to make rounds (option B) could delay necessary intervention. Continuing to evaluate urine output for 2 more hours (option C) is not appropriate given the patient's current condition. Ignoring the urine output (option D) is dangerous as it could lead to further complications.
Identify which substances in the glomerular filtrate would indicate a problem with renal function. (Select all that apply.)
- A. Protein
- B. Sodium
- C. Creatinine
- D. Red blood cells
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The presence of protein in the glomerular filtrate indicates a problem with renal function because in healthy kidneys, proteins are retained in the blood and not filtered into the urine. If protein is found in the filtrate, it suggests damage to the glomerular filtration barrier. Sodium, creatinine, and red blood cells are normally present in the filtrate and are not indicative of renal dysfunction. Sodium is freely filtered and reabsorbed, creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism excreted by the kidneys, and a small number of red blood cells may be filtered due to their small size. Therefore, protein in the glomerular filtrate is the most specific indicator of renal dysfunction.
Warning signs that can assist the critical care nurse in reco gnizing that an ethical dilemma may exist include which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Family members are confused about what is happening to the patient.
- B. Family members are in conflict as to the best treatmen t options. They disagree with each other and cannot come to consensus.
- C. The family asks that the patient not be told of treatmenatb iprbl.aconms./t est
- D. The patient’s condition has changed dramatically for the worse and is not responding to conventional treatment.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because when family members are confused about the patient's condition or treatment, it can indicate a lack of communication or understanding, leading to a potential ethical dilemma. This confusion may result in conflicting views on what is best for the patient, potentially leading to disagreements and ethical conflicts.
Choice B is incorrect because although family conflict can lead to ethical dilemmas, it is not a direct warning sign that an ethical dilemma exists.
Choice C is incorrect because the family asking not to inform the patient about treatment is more related to communication preferences rather than a clear indication of an ethical dilemma.
Choice D is incorrect because a deteriorating patient condition, while concerning, does not directly signal an ethical dilemma unless there are specific ethical considerations involved in the treatment decisions.
As part of the admission process, the nurse asks several questions about family relationships. The nurse bases these actions on which rationale?
- A. Assessing family relationships is an initial step in including the family in patient care.
- B. These questions are part of the admission assessment tool required by this CCU.
- C. The nurse has a natural curiosity and wishes to know how the family members relate for her own knowledge.
- D. There is an ongoing research study to identify variant family patterns related to disease incidence.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice A is correct:
1. Involving the family in patient care is crucial for holistic care.
2. Assessing family relationships helps identify support systems and potential conflicts.
3. Understanding family dynamics aids in creating a comprehensive care plan.
4. Family involvement can enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Summary of incorrect choices:
B. Irrelevant, as the focus is on patient-centered care, not just fulfilling an assessment tool.
C. Personal curiosity is not a valid reason for assessing family relationships in healthcare.
D. Conducting research on family patterns does not directly impact the immediate care of the patient.