The nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube that is attached to low suction. If the client's HCO3- is 30, which additional value is most likely to be noted in this client?
- A. pH 7.52
- B. pH 7.36
- C. pH 7.25
- D. pH 7.20
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Loss of gastric fluid via nasogastric suction or vomiting causes metabolic alkalosis because of the loss of hydrochloric acid (HCl), an acid secreted in the stomach. This occurs as HCO3 rises above normal. Thus, the loss of hydrogen ions in the HCl results in alkalosis. A pH above 7.45 would be noted.
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A client's telemetry monitor displays ventricular tachycardia. Upon reaching the client's bedside, which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Call a code.
- B. Prepare for cardioversion.
- C. Prepare to defibrillate the client.
- D. Check the client's level of consciousness.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Determining unresponsiveness is the first assessment action to take. When a client is in ventricular tachycardia, there is a significant decrease in cardiac output. However, assessing for unresponsiveness helps determine whether the client is affected by the decreased cardiac output. If the client is unconscious, then cardiopulmonary resuscitation is initiated.
Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is prescribed for a client diagnosed with coronary artery disease before a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). The nurse administers the medication understanding that it is prescribed for what purpose?
- A. Relieve postprocedure pain.
- B. Prevent thrombus formation.
- C. Prevent postprocedure hyperthermia.
- D. Prevent inflammation of the puncture site.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Before PTCA, the client is usually given an anticoagulant, commonly aspirin, to help reduce the risk of occlusion of the artery during the procedure because the aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation.
Skin closure with heterograft will be performed on a client with a burn injury. When the client asks the nurse where the heterograft comes from, the nurse should explain it is from which source?
- A. A cadaver
- B. Another animal species
- C. The burned client themselves
- D. A man-made synthetic source
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Biologic dressings are usually heterograft or homograft material. Heterograft is skin from another species. The most commonly used type of heterograft is pig skin because of its availability and its relative compatibility with human skin. Homograft is skin from another human, which is usually obtained from a cadaver and is provided through a skin bank. Autograft is skin from the client. Synthetic dressings are also available for covering burn wounds.
The nurse performs the Glasgow Coma Scale while assessing a client with a brainstem injury. Which additional interventions should the nurse be prepared to implement? Select all that apply.
- A. Assisting with arterial blood gases
- B. Assisting with a lumbar puncture
- C. Assessing cranial nerve functioning
- D. Assessing respiratory rate and rhythm
- E. Assessing pulmonary wedge pressure
- F. Assessing cognitive abilities, including memory
Correct Answer: C,D
Rationale: Assessment should be specific to the area of the brain involved. Assessing the respiratory status and cranial nerve function is a critical component of the assessment process in a client with a brainstem injury because the respiratory center is located in the brainstem. Options 1, 2, 5, and 6 are not necessary based on the data in the question.
A client seeks medical attention for intermittent signs and symptoms that suggest a diagnosis of Raynaud's disease. The nurse should assess the trigger of these signs/symptoms by asking which question?
- A. Does being exposed to heat seem to cause the episodes?
- B. Do the signs and symptoms occur while you are asleep?
- C. Does drinking coffee or ingesting chocolate seem related to the episodes?
- D. Have you experienced any injuries that have limited your activity levels lately?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Raynaud's disease is vasospasm of the arterioles and arteries of the upper and lower extremities. It produces closure of the small arteries in the distal extremities in response to cold, vibration, or external stimuli. Episodes are characterized by pallor, cold, numbness, and possible cyanosis of the fingers, followed by erythema, tingling, and aching pain. Attacks are triggered by exposure to cold, nicotine, caffeine, trauma to the fingertips, and stress. Prolonged episodes of inactivity are unrelated to these episodes.