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A middle-aged man who has a 35-year smoking history presents to the emergency department confused and short of breath. Before starting oxygen, these baseline arterial blood gases (ABGs) are obtained: pH=7.25, pCO2=50 mmHg, HCO3=30 mEq/L. These findings indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing which acid-base imbalance?
- A. Metabolic acidosis.
- B. Respiratory acidosis.
- C. Metabolic alkalosis.
- D. Respiratory alkalosis.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ABG results show a low pH (acidosis) and increased pCO2, indicating respiratory acidosis. In respiratory acidosis, the lungs cannot remove enough CO2, leading to its accumulation in the blood. This often occurs in conditions like COPD and is consistent with the patient's smoking history. Metabolic acidosis (choice A) is characterized by low pH and low HCO3 levels. Metabolic alkalosis (choice C) is marked by high pH and high HCO3 levels. Respiratory alkalosis (choice D) presents with high pH and low pCO2.
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While planning care for a client with carpal tunnel syndrome, the nurse identifies a collaborative problem of pain. What is the etiology of this problem?
- A. Irritation of nerve endings
- B. Diminished blood flow
- C. Ischemic tissue changes
- D. Compression of a nerve
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Compression of a nerve. In carpal tunnel syndrome, pain arises from the compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. This compression leads to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because carpal tunnel syndrome pain is primarily caused by the physical compression of the nerve, rather than irritation of nerve endings, diminished blood flow, or ischemic tissue changes.
Which individual has the highest risk for developing skin cancer?
- A. A 16-year-old dark-skinned female who tans in tanning beds once a week.
- B. A 65-year-old fair-skinned male who is a construction worker
- C. A 25-year-old dark-skinned male whose mother had skin cancer.
- D. A 70-year-old fair-skinned female who works as a secretary.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, a 65-year-old fair-skinned male who is a construction worker. Fair-skinned individuals are at higher risk of developing skin cancer due to prolonged sun exposure. Construction workers are often exposed to the sun for long periods, further increasing the risk. Choices A, C, and D are less likely to develop skin cancer compared to choice B due to factors such as age, frequency of tanning bed use, and occupation.
A healthcare worker with no known exposure to tuberculosis has received a Mantoux tuberculosis skin test. The nurse's assessment of the test after 62 hours indicates 5mm of erythema without induration. Which is the best initial nursing action?
- A. Review the healthcare worker's history for possible exposure to TB.
- B. Instruct the healthcare worker to return for a repeat test in 1 week.
- C. Refer the healthcare worker to a healthcare provider for isoniazid (INH) therapy.
- D. Document negative results in the healthcare worker's medical record.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A Mantoux tuberculosis skin test without induration is considered negative. In this case, with 5mm of erythema and no induration, the result is negative, indicating no current infection. The best initial nursing action is to document these negative results in the healthcare worker's medical record. Reviewing the history for possible exposure to TB is unnecessary as the test result is negative. Instructing the healthcare worker to return for a repeat test or referring for INH therapy is not warranted when the test is negative.
Which dietary modification is most appropriate for a client with nephrotic syndrome?
- A. High protein, low sodium
- B. Low protein, high sodium
- C. High protein, high potassium
- D. Low protein, low sodium
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most appropriate dietary modification for a client with nephrotic syndrome is a low protein, low sodium diet. This diet helps reduce the workload on the kidneys and manage edema, which are common issues in nephrotic syndrome. Choice A, high protein, low sodium, is not recommended because excessive protein intake can further strain the kidneys. Choice B, low protein, high sodium, is inappropriate as high sodium can worsen fluid retention and hypertension. Choice C, high protein, high potassium, is not ideal as high potassium levels can be problematic for individuals with kidney issues.
How should the nurse record the observation of a child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy rising from the floor by walking up the thighs with the hands?
- A. Hand assistance
- B. Leg crawling
- C. Gowers sign
- D. Bright sign
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct term for a child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy rising from the floor by walking up the thighs with the hands is known as the Gowers sign. This maneuver is characteristic of Duchenne muscular dystrophy due to proximal muscle weakness. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not specifically describe the action of walking up the thighs with the hands, which is a distinctive feature of the Gowers sign.