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A nurse is assessing a client who has an electrolyte imbalance related to renal failure. For which potential complications of this electrolyte imbalance should the nurse assess? (Select all that do mot apply.)
- A. Electrocardiogram changes
- B. Slow, shallow respirations
- C. Paralytic ileus
- D. Skeletal muscle weakness
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B - Slow, shallow respirations
Rationale:
1. Electrolyte imbalance in renal failure often leads to respiratory alkalosis, causing rapid and deep respirations, not slow and shallow.
2. Electrocardiogram changes (A) are common with electrolyte imbalances, particularly potassium and calcium.
3. Paralytic ileus (C) is a complication of electrolyte imbalances, affecting gastrointestinal motility.
4. Skeletal muscle weakness (D) is a common manifestation of electrolyte imbalances, especially potassium and magnesium deficiencies.
Summary:
Choice B is incorrect because slow, shallow respirations are not typically associated with electrolyte imbalances related to renal failure. Choices A, C, and D are commonly seen complications of electrolyte imbalances and should be assessed by the nurse.
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The nurse is providing care for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. When describing the process of
respiration the nurse explains how oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between the pulmonary capillaries and the
alveoli. The nurse is describing what process?
- A. Diffusion
- B. Osmosis
- C. Active transport
- D. Filtration
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diffusion. In respiration, oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between the alveoli and pulmonary capillaries through the process of diffusion. Here's the rationale:
1. Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
2. In the alveoli, oxygen moves from the air (higher concentration) into the blood (lower concentration) and carbon dioxide moves from the blood (higher concentration) into the air (lower concentration).
3. This exchange occurs passively, without the need for energy input, which is characteristic of diffusion.
Summary of other choices:
B: Osmosis involves the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane, not gas exchange.
C: Active transport requires energy input to move molecules against their concentration gradient, not seen in gas exchange.
D: Filtration involves the movement of molecules through a membrane under pressure, not the passive movement of gases in respiration.
A gerontologic nurse is teaching students about the high incidence and prevalence of dehydration in older adults.
What factors contribute to this phenomenon? Select all that do not apply.
- A. Decreased kidney mass
- B. Decreased renal blood flow
- C. Decreased excretion of potassium
- D. Increased conservation of sodium
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Increased conservation of sodium. Older adults tend to have an increased conservation of sodium, leading to fluid retention and decreased fluid intake, which can contribute to dehydration.
A: Decreased kidney mass is incorrect because it is a factor that can contribute to decreased kidney function but not directly linked to dehydration.
B: Decreased renal blood flow can impact kidney function but is not a direct cause of dehydration in older adults.
C: Decreased excretion of potassium is not a factor that directly contributes to dehydration in older adults.
A nurse assesses a client who is prescribed furosemide (Lasix) for hypertension. For which acid-base imbalance should the nurse assess to prevent complications of this therapy?
- A. Respiratory acidosis
- B. Respiratory alkalosis
- C. Metabolic acidosis
- D. Metabolic alkalosis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Metabolic alkalosis. Furosemide, a loop diuretic, can lead to potassium depletion and metabolic alkalosis due to excessive loss of chloride and hydrogen ions. The nurse should assess for signs of metabolic alkalosis such as confusion, muscle weakness, and dysrhythmias to prevent complications. Respiratory acidosis and alkalosis are not directly related to furosemide therapy. Metabolic acidosis is less likely due to furosemide's mechanism of action.
A patient with a longstanding diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder presents to the emergency room. The triage nurse notes upon assessment that the patient is hyperventilating. The triage nurse is aware that hyperventilation is the most common cause
- A. Respiratory acidosis
- B. Respiratory alkalosis
- C. Increased PaCO2
- D. CNS disturbances
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation leads to excessive elimination of carbon dioxide, causing a decrease in PaCO2 levels, resulting in respiratory alkalosis. This is the most common cause of hyperventilation. Respiratory acidosis (choice A) occurs when there is retention of carbon dioxide. Increased PaCO2 (choice C) is a consequence of respiratory acidosis, not alkalosis. CNS disturbances (choice D) can lead to abnormal breathing patterns but are not the most common cause of hyperventilation.
Diagnostic testing has been ordered to differentiate between normal anion gap acidosis and high anion gap acidosis
in an acutely ill patient. What health problem typically precedes normal anion gap acidosis?
- A. Metastases
- B. Excessive potassium intake
- C. Water intoxication
- D. Excessive administration of chloride
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Excessive administration of chloride. Normal anion gap acidosis is commonly caused by an excessive intake of chloride-containing solutions like normal saline during treatment. This leads to an increase in the plasma chloride concentration, causing a decrease in the anion gap. Metastases (A) are not typically associated with normal anion gap acidosis. Excessive potassium intake (B) would not lead to normal anion gap acidosis but rather hyperkalemia. Water intoxication (C) can lead to dilutional hyponatremia but not normal anion gap acidosis.