A client experiencing a mild panic attack has the following arterial blood gas (ABG) results: pH 7.49, PCO2 31 mm Hg, PaO2 97 mm Hg, HCO3 22 mEq/L. The nurse reviews the results and determines that the client has which acid-base disturbance?
- A. Metabolic acidosis
- B. Metabolic alkalosis
- C. Respiratory acidosis
- D. Respiratory alkalosis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Acidosis is defined as a pH of less than 7.35, whereas alkalosis is defined as a pH of greater than 7.45. Respiratory alkalosis is present when the PCO2 is less than 35, whereas respiratory acidosis is present when the PCO2 is greater than 45. Metabolic acidosis is present when the HCO3 is less than 22 mEq/L, whereas metabolic alkalosis is present when the HCO3 is greater than 26 mEq/L. This client's ABGs are consistent with respiratory alkalosis.
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The nurse is caring for a client with a history of burns. Which of the following nutritional interventions should be included in the plan of care?
- A. High-protein, high-calorie diet.
- B. Low-sodium diet.
- C. Low-fat diet.
- D. High-fiber diet.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A high-protein, high-calorie diet supports tissue repair and energy needs in burn recovery.
The nurse is assessing a 55-year-old client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The client weighs 200 lb and is 6 feet tall. Using the diagram shown here, the nurse should record in the health history that the client's chest is:
- A. Barrel-shaped
- B. Muscular
- C. Normal for the client's age, height, and weight
- D. Showing the effects of long-term use of bronchodilators
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A barrel-shaped chest is characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to hyperinflation of the lungs, which is likely in this client. The client's weight and height suggest a normal body habitus, not a muscular chest, and bronchodilator use does not directly cause this chest shape.
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of diverticulitis. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend during the acute phase?
- A. Clear liquids.
- B. High-fiber foods.
- C. Red meat.
- D. Whole grains.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Clear liquids reduce bowel irritation during acute diverticulitis.
The nurse is assessing a client who has had a myocardial infarction. The nurse notes the cardiac rhythm shown below (see figure). The nurse identifies this rhythm as:
- A. Atrial fibrillation.
- B. Atrial tachycardia.
- C. Premature ventricular contractions.
- D. Ventricular tachycardia.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are characterized by early, wide QRS complexes on an ECG, common post-myocardial infarction. The other rhythms have distinct ECG patterns not described here.
During an appointment with the nurse, a client says, 'I need to find the good,' the nurse responds, 'Oh, don't feel that way. We're making progress in these sessions.' The nurse's statement demonstrates a failure to do which of the following?
- A. Look for meaning in what the client says.
- B. Explain to the client why he may think as he does.
- C. Add to the strength of the client's support system.
- D. Give the client credit for solving his own problems.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse's response dismisses the client's statement, failing to explore its underlying meaning, which is essential for therapeutic communication.
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