Which of the following would differentiate acute from chronic respiratory acidosis in the assessment of the trauma client?
- A. Increased PaCO2
- B. Decreased PaO2
- C. Increased HCO3
- D. Decreased base excess
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Increased PaCO2 is present in both acute and chronic respiratory acidosis due to hypoventilation. Decreased PaO2 may occur in respiratory acidosis but does not differentiate acute from chronic. Increased HCO3 indicates renal compensation, which occurs in chronic respiratory acidosis as the body attempts to buffer the excess CO2, but not in acute cases where compensation has not yet occurred. Decreased base excess is not specific to differentiating acute from chronic respiratory acidosis.
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The client with a history of epilepsy is prescribed valproic acid (Depakote). Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor?
- A. Liver function tests
- B. Renal function tests
- C. Complete blood count
- D. Electrolytes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Valproic acid can cause hepatotoxicity, so liver function tests (e.g., AST, ALT) are monitored regularly. Renal function, blood counts, and electrolytes are less commonly affected.
The rationale for inserting a French catheter every hour for the client with epidural anesthesia is:
- A. The bladder fills more rapidly because of the medication used for the epidural.
- B. Her level of consciousness is such that she is in a trancelike state.
- C. The sensation of the bladder filling is diminished or lost.
- D. She is embarrassed to ask for the bedpan that frequently.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Epidural anesthesia can diminish bladder sensation leading to urinary retention. Hourly catheterization prevents bladder distention and complications. The other reasons are not accurate or relevant to epidural effects.
The nurse caring for a client with closed chest drainage notes that the collection chamber is full.
- A. Add more water to the suction-control chamber.
- B. Remove the drainage using a 60 mL syringe.
- C. Milk the tubing to facilitate drainage.
- D. Prepare a new unit for continuing collection.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A full collection chamber requires replacing the chest drainage unit to maintain effective drainage and prevent complications like tension pneumothorax.
The nurse is caring for an adolescent with a five-year history of bulimia. A common clinical finding in the client with bulimia is:
- A. Extreme weight loss
- B. Dental caries
- C. Hair loss
- D. Decreased temperature
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Frequent vomiting in bulimia exposes teeth to stomach acid, leading to dental caries (tooth decay), a common clinical finding.
Prenatal clients are routinely monitored for early signs of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). For the prenatal client, which of the following blood pressure changes from baseline would be most significant for the nurse to report as indicative of PIH?
- A. 136/88 to 144/93
- B. 132/78 to 124/76
- C. 114/70 to 140/88
- D. 140/90 to 148/98
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: PIH is indicated by a systolic increase of 30 mm Hg or diastolic increase of 15 mm Hg; 114/70 to 140/88 shows a 26 mm Hg systolic and 18 mm Hg diastolic change, most significant for PIH.
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