A client with asthma develops respiratory acidosis. Based on this diagnosis, what should the nurse expect the client's serum potassium level to be?
- A. normal
- B. elevated
- C. low
- D. unrelated to the pH
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In respiratory acidosis, the body retains CO2, leading to increased hydrogen ion concentration and a drop in blood pH. As pH decreases, serum potassium levels increase due to the movement of potassium out of cells to compensate for the acidosis. Elevated serum potassium levels are expected in respiratory acidosis. Choice A ('normal') is incorrect because potassium levels are expected to be elevated in respiratory acidosis. Choice C ('low') is incorrect as potassium levels rise in this condition. Choice D ('unrelated to the pH') is incorrect as serum potassium levels are directly impacted by changes in pH in respiratory acidosis.
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A pregnant Asian client who is experiencing morning sickness wants to take ginger to relieve the nausea. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
- A. "I will call your physician to see if we can start some ginger."?
- B. "We don't use home remedies in this clinic."?
- C. "Herbs are not as effective as regular medicines."?
- D. "Just eat some dry crackers instead."?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct response is appropriate as it demonstrates cultural sensitivity. Ginger is commonly used to alleviate nausea, particularly in Asian cultures. Contacting the physician to discuss the use of ginger ensures the client's safety and respects their preferences. Choices B and C are incorrect as they disregard the client's request and fail to acknowledge their cultural beliefs. Choice D is incorrect because it does not address the client's desire to use ginger for relief.
A patient asks a nurse the following question: Exposure to TB can be best identified with which of the following procedures?
- A. Chest x-ray
- B. Mantoux test
- C. Breath sounds examination
- D. Sputum culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Mantoux test, also known as the tuberculin skin test, is the most appropriate and accurate test to identify exposure to TB. This test involves injecting a small amount of PPD tuberculin under the top layer of the skin, and a positive reaction indicates exposure to the TB bacteria. Choice A, a chest x-ray, is useful for detecting active TB disease but not exposure. Choice C, a breath sounds examination, is not a specific test for TB exposure. Choice D, a sputum culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is used to diagnose active TB infection rather than exposure.
A female sex worker enters a clinic for treatment of a sexually transmitted disease. This disease is the most prevalent STD in the United States. The nurse can anticipate that the woman has which of the following?
- A. herpes
- B. chlamydia
- C. gonorrhea
- D. syphilis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The question describes a female sex worker seeking treatment for the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Chlamydia is the correct answer as it is the most common STD in the country according to epidemiological studies. While herpes (choice A) is common, it is not the most prevalent. Gonorrhea (choice C) and syphilis (choice D) are less prevalent compared to chlamydia, making them incorrect choices.
A client has been diagnosed with Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) and transferred to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) following an acute bleeding episode. In the ICU, continuous Heparin drip therapy is initiated. Which of the following assessment findings indicates a positive response to Heparin therapy?
- A. increased platelet count
- B. increased fibrinogen
- C. decreased fibrin split products
- D. decreased bleeding
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Effective Heparin therapy should halt the process of intravascular coagulation, leading to increased availability of fibrinogen. Heparin interferes with thrombin-induced conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin. Therefore, an increased fibrinogen level indicates a positive response to Heparin therapy. While increased platelet count and decreased bleeding are positive outcomes, the specific indicator for Heparin therapy response is the increase in fibrinogen level. Decreased fibrin split products would also be a positive response, but an increase in fibrinogen directly reflects the impact of Heparin therapy.
In the treatment of symptomatic bradycardia, which medication is most commonly recognized?
- A. Questran
- B. Digitalis
- C. Nitroglycerin
- D. Atropine
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Atropine is the medication most commonly recognized for the treatment of symptomatic bradycardia because it increases the rate of conduction in the AV node, helping to alleviate bradycardia. Questran is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels and is not indicated for bradycardia. Digitalis, such as Digoxin, is used for heart failure and atrial fibrillation but not typically for bradycardia. Nitroglycerin is primarily used for angina and not bradycardia.