A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas (ABG) results of a client who the provider suspects has metabolic acidosis. Which of the following results should the nurse expect to see?
- A. pH below 7.35
- B. pH above 7.45
- C. HCO3- above 28 mEq/L
- D. PaCO2 above 45 mm Hg
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: pH below 7.35. In metabolic acidosis, there is a decrease in pH due to an excess of acid or a loss of bicarbonate ions. A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. Choices B and C are incorrect because in metabolic acidosis, the pH is below the normal range of 7.35-7.45, and the bicarbonate (HCO3-) level is typically below 24 mEq/L rather than above 28 mEq/L. Choice D is incorrect as an elevated PaCO2 (respiratory acidosis) is not typically seen in metabolic acidosis.
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A nurse assesses a client in skeletal traction. What indicates infection at the pin sites?
- A. Pallor
- B. Fever
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Elevated blood pressure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fever. Infection at the pin sites in skeletal traction commonly presents with systemic signs like fever. Fever is a typical response to infection as the body tries to fight off the invading pathogens. Pallor, bradycardia, and elevated blood pressure are not specific indicators of infection at pin sites. Pallor may indicate poor perfusion, bradycardia is a slow heart rate which is not typically associated with infection, and elevated blood pressure can be a response to various stressors but not a specific sign of infection at pin sites. In summary, fever is the most reliable indicator of infection at pin sites due to its systemic nature.
A rehabilitation nurse is caring for a client who has had a spinal cord injury that resulted in paraplegia. After a week on the unit, the nurse notes that the client is withdrawn and increasingly resistant to rehabilitative efforts by the staff. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Encourage the client to discuss their feelings
- B. Establish a plan of care with the client that sets attainable goals
- C. Increase the frequency of physical therapy sessions
- D. Allow the client to set the schedule for rehabilitation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Establish a plan of care with the client that sets attainable goals. This is because involving the client in setting realistic goals can empower them and increase motivation for rehabilitation. By collaborating with the client, the nurse can address the client's needs and preferences, leading to a more personalized and effective rehabilitation plan. Encouraging the client to actively participate in their care promotes autonomy and fosters a sense of control over their situation.
Other choices are incorrect:
A: Encouraging the client to discuss their feelings is important, but it may not directly address the need for a structured plan of care with attainable goals.
C: Increasing the frequency of physical therapy sessions may be overwhelming for the client and not address the underlying issue of lack of motivation.
D: Allowing the client to set the schedule for rehabilitation may not provide the structure and guidance needed for effective rehabilitation.
A nurse is assessing a client who is 1 day postoperative following a lobectomy and has a chest tube drainage system in place. Which of the following findings by the nurse indicates a need for intervention?
- A. Clear breath sounds on the affected side
- B. Reduction in drainage output
- C. Development of subcutaneous emphysema
- D. Minimal pain at the surgical site
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Subcutaneous emphysema, where air gets trapped under the skin, may indicate an underlying pneumothorax and should be reported to the provider.
A nurse is caring for a client who is HIV positive and is one day postoperative following an appendectomy. The nurse should wear a gown as personal protective equipment when taking which of the following actions?
- A. Changing the client's linens
- B. Administering oral medications
- C. Taking vital signs
- D. Completing a dressing change
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Completing a dressing change. When completing a dressing change for a client who is HIV positive and postoperative, the nurse should wear a gown as personal protective equipment to prevent potential exposure to blood or body fluids. This is crucial for infection control and to protect both the nurse and the client.
Choice A: Changing the client's linens does not necessarily require wearing a gown unless there is a risk of exposure to blood or body fluids.
Choice B: Administering oral medications does not require wearing a gown as there is no risk of exposure to blood or body fluids.
Choice C: Taking vital signs also does not require wearing a gown unless there is a possibility of exposure to blood or body fluids during the procedure.
In summary, completing a dressing change involves the risk of exposure to blood or body fluids, hence the need for wearing a gown. Other actions listed do not carry the same level of risk, therefore do not require the use of a gown as personal protective
A nurse is planning a teaching session about hysterosalpingography for a client who has a diagnosis of infertility. The nurse should include which of the following information in the teaching plan?
- A. The client might experience shoulder pain following the procedure.
- B. The client might experience nausea and vomiting after the procedure.
- C. The client will need to stay in bed for 24 hours post-procedure.
- D. The client should avoid drinking fluids before the procedure.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The client might experience shoulder pain following the procedure. This is because hysterosalpingography involves the injection of contrast dye into the uterus and fallopian tubes, which can cause referred pain to the shoulder due to irritation of the diaphragm. This information is crucial for the client to be aware of potential side effects.
The other choices are incorrect:
B: The client might experience nausea and vomiting after the procedure - This is not a common side effect of hysterosalpingography.
C: The client will need to stay in bed for 24 hours post-procedure - There is no requirement for prolonged bed rest after the procedure.
D: The client should avoid drinking fluids before the procedure - In fact, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids before the procedure to help flush out the contrast dye.
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