A nurse is collecting data from a client who reports persistent vomiting, dizziness, palpitations, and numbness and tingling in his fingers and toes and around his mouth. The nurse notes the client's respirations are slow and shallow. The nurse should suspect that the client has developed which of the following acid-base imbalances?
- A. Metabolic acidosis
- B. Metabolic alkalosis
- C. Respiratory acidosis
- D. Respiratory alkalosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Metabolic alkalosis. The client's symptoms of vomiting, dizziness, palpitations, numbness and tingling, along with slow and shallow respirations, indicate a loss of hydrogen ions (H⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻) due to prolonged vomiting, leading to metabolic alkalosis. Vomiting causes a loss of stomach acid (HCl), leading to an increase in blood pH. Respiratory acidosis (C) results from inadequate ventilation, causing CO₂ retention and increased carbonic acid in the blood. Respiratory alkalosis (D) is characterized by hyperventilation and decreased CO₂ levels. Metabolic acidosis (A) involves a decrease in blood pH due to an excess of metabolic acids or a loss of bicarbonate ions.
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A nurse is collecting data about a client's pulmonary system. While auscultating the client's lungs, the nurse hears continuous gurgling, low-pitched sounds over the trachea and bronchi. Which of the following terms should the nurse use to document this finding?
- A. Rhonchi
- B. Crackles
- C. Wheezing
- D. Friction rub
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Rhonchi. Rhonchi are continuous low-pitched gurgling sounds heard over the trachea and bronchi. These sounds are typically caused by the movement of air through narrowed airways due to secretions or inflammation. Crackles (B) are discontinuous, popping sounds typically heard during inspiration and caused by fluid in the alveoli. Wheezing (C) is a high-pitched musical sound heard on expiration and caused by narrowed airways. Friction rub (D) is a grating, rubbing sound heard during inspiration and expiration and is typically associated with inflammation of the pleura.
A nurse is checking the apical pulse of a client who is taking several cardiovascular medications. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Count the apical pulsations for a full minute.
- B. Check the apical pulse with a Doppler device.
- C. Use the diaphragm of the stethoscope to listen to the apical pulsations.
- D. Press the stethoscope firmly against the client's skin.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Count the apical pulsations for a full minute. This is because counting the apical pulse for a full minute provides the most accurate assessment of the client's heart rate. It allows for any irregularities or fluctuations in the pulse to be detected.
Choice B is incorrect as using a Doppler device is not necessary for routine assessment of the apical pulse. Choice C is incorrect as the bell of the stethoscope, not the diaphragm, should be used to listen to the apical pulsations for better sound transmission. Choice D is incorrect as pressing the stethoscope firmly against the client's skin can create artifact noise and interfere with accurate auscultation.
A nurse is reviewing the plan of care for a client who has a respiratory infection. The nurse should plan to have the client lie on his stomach with pillows elevating his chest and stomach to mobilize secretions from which of the following lung segments?
- A. Anterior segment of the right upper lobe
- B. Anterior segment of the right middle lobe
- C. Posterior segment of the right middle lobe
- D. Posterior segment of the right lower lobe
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Prone positioning with elevation allows mucus drainage from posterior lung segments.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a stage-3 pressure ulcer that now has some granulating tissue. Which of the following interventions should the nurse recommend for inclusion in the plan of care?
- A. Apply a heat lamp twice a day
- B. Cleanse with 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation
- C. Cleanse with povidone-iodine solution
- D. Massage reddened areas during dressing changes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation is recommended for granulating tissue. Povidone-iodine is cytotoxic and should not be used. Heat lamps and massage can cause further tissue damage.
A nurse is reviewing blood pressure classifications with a client who has been newly diagnosed with hypertension. Which of the following should the nurse include as an example of stage 1 hypertension?
- A. 108/60 mm Hg
- B. 128/88 mm Hg
- C. 154/96 mm Hg
- D. 164/104 mm Hg
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C (154/96 mm Hg) for stage 1 hypertension. Stage 1 hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure ranging from 130-139 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ranging from 80-89 mm Hg. Option C falls within this range, making it the correct choice. Option A (108/60 mm Hg) is normal blood pressure. Option B (128/88 mm Hg) is prehypertension. Option D (164/104 mm Hg) falls within the stage 2 hypertension range, which is higher than stage 1 hypertension.