A healthcare professional is reviewing a patient's arterial blood gas values. Which of the following conditions apply under the following values?
pH- 7.49
Bicarbonate ion 24 mEq/dl
PaCO2 - 31 mmHg
PaO2 - 52 mmHg
FiO2 - 0.22
- A. respiratory acidosis
- B. respiratory alkalosis
- C. metabolic acidosis
- D. metabolic alkalosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The given blood gas values indicate respiratory alkalosis. A high pH and low PaCO2 level are consistent with respiratory alkalosis. In this scenario, no compensation for the alkalosis is noted, ruling out metabolic acidosis or alkalosis. Metabolic conditions would usually involve changes in bicarbonate levels, which remain within the normal range in this case.
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Which task would be appropriate for the LPN to perform?
- A. Changing a colostomy bag.
- B. Hanging a new bag of TPN.
- C. Drawing a peak antibiotic blood level from a central line.
- D. Administering IV pain medication to a two-day post-op client.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is changing a colostomy bag. This task falls within the LPN's scope of practice. LPNs are trained to provide basic nursing care, including assisting with activities of daily living and certain medical procedures like changing ostomy bags. Hanging a new bag of TPN and drawing a peak antibiotic blood level from a central line are tasks that require a higher level of training and are typically performed by RNs due to their complexity and potential risks. Administering IV pain medication to a two-day post-op client is usually the responsibility of an RN as it involves close monitoring, assessment of the client's condition, and the administration of potent medications that require a higher level of clinical judgment and expertise.
The nurse is preparing for a dressing change on a full thickness burn to the flank area. The orders include irrigating the wound with each dressing change. To irrigate the wound, what will the nurse use?
- A. Sterile saline
- B. Distilled water
- C. Betadine scrub
- D. Tap water
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When irrigating a wound, especially in the case of a full-thickness burn, it is crucial to use a solution that is gentle and non-irritating to the tissues. Sterile saline is the preferred choice for wound irrigation as it is isotonic and does not cause additional damage to the already compromised tissue. Distilled water lacks the electrolytes present in saline, Betadine scrub is not used for irrigation due to its potential to be cytotoxic, and tap water may introduce contaminants and microorganisms to the wound.
A patient has been prescribed Tegretol for the first time. Which of the following side effects is not associated with Tegretol?
- A. Sore throat
- B. Vertigo
- C. Fever
- D. Shortness of breath
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Shortness of breath.' Side effects commonly associated with Tegretol include sore throat, vertigo, and fever. Shortness of breath is not a typical side effect of Tegretol use. Sore throat, vertigo, and fever are known side effects of Tegretol, while shortness of breath is not typically linked to its use.
The nurse overhears two nursing students talking about a client in the cafeteria. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Report the incident to the nursing supervisor.
- B. Write up a variance report about the incident.
- C. Instruct the students that this is a violation of HIPAA.
- D. Notify the students' faculty regarding the violation.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the students that discussing a client in a public area like the cafeteria violates HIPAA regulations. This is important to educate the students about patient confidentiality and the consequences of breaching it. Reporting to the nursing supervisor or faculty should come after addressing the students directly. Writing up a variance report is not the immediate action needed in this situation, as educating the students about their mistake should be the priority. It is essential to address the issue at the source by educating the students first rather than escalating the matter to supervisors or faculty immediately.
The client develops a tension pneumothorax. Assessment is expected to reveal?
- A. Sudden hypertension and bradycardia
- B. Productive cough with yellow mucus
- C. Tracheal deviation and dyspnea
- D. Sudden development of profuse hemoptysis and weakness
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a tension pneumothorax, the trachea deviates to the unaffected side due to increased pressure in the affected pleural space, causing respiratory distress. Dyspnea is a hallmark symptom as the lung on the affected side collapses, leading to difficulty in breathing. Sudden hypertension and bradycardia (Choice A) are not typical findings of tension pneumothorax. Productive cough with yellow mucus (Choice B) is more suggestive of respiratory infections rather than a tension pneumothorax. Sudden development of profuse hemoptysis and weakness (Choice D) is not characteristic of tension pneumothorax presentation.