. A medical nurse educator is reviewing a patients recent episode of metabolic acidosis with members of the
nursing staff. What should the educator describe about the role of the kidneys in metabolic acidosis?
- A. The kidneys retain hydrogen ions and excrete bicarbonate ions to help restore balance.
- B. The kidneys excrete hydrogen ions and conserve bicarbonate ions to help restore balance
- C. The kidneys react rapidly to compensate for imbalances in the body
- D. The kidneys regulate the bicarbonate level in the intracellular fluid.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B - The kidneys excrete hydrogen ions and conserve bicarbonate ions to help restore balance.
Rationale:
1. In metabolic acidosis, the blood pH is low due to excess acid in the body.
2. To restore pH balance, the kidneys excrete hydrogen ions (acid) and conserve bicarbonate ions (a base).
3. By excreting acid and retaining base, the kidneys help neutralize the excess acid in the body.
4. Option B accurately describes the role of the kidneys in metabolic acidosis.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Incorrect. The kidneys do not retain hydrogen ions in metabolic acidosis; they excrete them.
C: Incorrect. While the kidneys do play a role in correcting imbalances, they do not react rapidly in metabolic acidosis.
D: Incorrect. The kidneys do regulate bicarbonate levels, but this is not the primary action in metabolic acidosis.
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A nurse is caring for a client who has the following laboratory results: potassium 3.4 mEq/L, magnesium 1.8 mEq/L, calcium 8.5 mEq/L, sodium 144 mEq/L. Which assessment should the nurse complete first?
- A. Depth of respirations
- B. Bowel sounds
- C. Grip strength
- D. Electrocardiography
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct assessment for the nurse to complete first is A: Depth of respirations. Potassium and magnesium levels are crucial electrolytes that can affect cardiac function. Hypokalemia (low potassium) and hypomagnesemia (low magnesium) can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias. Checking the depth of respirations can provide valuable information on the client's respiratory status and potential respiratory distress due to electrolyte imbalances. This assessment takes precedence as addressing respiratory issues promptly is essential to prevent further complications. Assessing bowel sounds (B), grip strength (C), and electrocardiography (D) are important but not as immediate as assessing respiratory status in this scenario.
The nurse caring for a patient post colon resection is assessing the patient on the second postoperative day. The
nasogastric tube (NG) remains patent and continues at low intermittent wall suction. The IV is patent and infusing at
125 mL/hr. The patient reports pain at the incision site rated at a 3 on a 0-to-10 rating scale. During your initial shift
assessment, the patient complains of cramps in her legs and a tingling sensation in her feet. Your assessment indicates
decreased deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) and you suspect the patient has hypokalemia. What other sign or symptom
would you expect this patient to exhibit
- A. Diarrhea
- B. Dilute urine
- C. Increased muscle tone
- D. Joint pain
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dilute urine. Hypokalemia can lead to kidney dysfunction, causing the kidneys to excrete more water along with electrolytes, resulting in dilute urine. This is a manifestation of the body's attempt to compensate for low potassium levels by excreting excess water. The other choices are incorrect because: A) Diarrhea is more commonly associated with hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia. C) Increased muscle tone is not a typical sign of hypokalemia; rather, hypokalemia can lead to muscle weakness or paralysis due to impaired muscle function. D) Joint pain is not a typical symptom of hypokalemia; joint pain is more commonly associated with other conditions such as arthritis or inflammation.
A nurse is caring for a client who has the following arterial blood values: pH 7.12, PaO2 56 mm Hg, PaCO2 65 mm Hg, and HCO3 22 mEq/L. Which clinical situation should the nurse correlate with these values?
- A. . Diabetic ketoacidosis in a person with emphysema
- B. Bronchial obstruction related to aspiration of a hot dog
- C. Anxiety-induced hyperventilation in an adolescen
- D. Diarrhea for 36 hours in an older, frail woman
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diabetic ketoacidosis in a person with emphysema. The arterial blood values show a low pH (acidosis), high PaCO2 (respiratory acidosis), and normal HCO3 (compensatory metabolic alkalosis). This pattern is consistent with a mixed acid-base disorder seen in diabetic ketoacidosis where metabolic acidosis from ketone production is partially compensated by respiratory acidosis from decreased alveolar ventilation due to emphysema. The other choices do not align with the given blood values. Choice B is incorrect as it would typically show respiratory alkalosis. Choice C would show respiratory alkalosis with low PaCO2. Choice D would result in metabolic acidosis with low HCO3.
A nurse is caring for clients with electrolyte imbalances on a medical-surgical unit. Which clinical manifestations are correctly paired with the contributing electrolyte imbalance? (Select all that do not apply.)
- A. Hypokalemia Flaccid paralysis with respiratory depression
- B. Hyperphosphatemia Paresthesia with sensations of tingling and numbness
- C. . Hyponatremia Decreased level of consciousness
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because hyperphosphatemia can lead to paresthesia with sensations of tingling and numbness due to its effect on nerve function.
A, hypokalemia causes muscle weakness but not flaccid paralysis with respiratory depression.
C, hyponatremia typically presents with symptoms such as confusion and seizures, not decreased level of consciousness.
A nurse is assessing clients who have intravenous therapy prescribed. Which assessment finding for a client with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) requires immediate attention?
- A. The initial site dressing is 3 days old.
- B. The PICC was inserted 4 weeks ago.
- C. A securement device is absent.
- D. Upper extremity swelling is noted.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because upper extremity swelling could indicate a potential complication such as deep vein thrombosis, which is a serious condition requiring immediate attention to prevent further complications. Swelling can impede blood flow and lead to clot formation.
A: The initial site dressing being 3 days old is concerning for infection but not an immediate threat.
B: The PICC being inserted 4 weeks ago may increase infection risk but does not require immediate attention.
C: A missing securement device may increase the risk of dislodgement but is not an immediate threat compared to potential vascular compromise indicated by upper extremity swelling.