The nurse is reviewing a patient's arterial blood gas results. Which condition should the nurse suspect is developing in this patient?
1. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypercapnia
2. alkalytic response from sympathomimetics
3. hypercapnia with respiratory acidosis
4. hypoxemic respiratory failure, metabolic acidosis
Correct Answer: 4
Arterial blood gases are used to evaluate alveolar ventilation and gas exchange. With hypoxemic respiratory failure, the PaCO2 may be normal, 35 to 45 mmHg, or even low due to tachypnea. A pH of less than 7.35 and low bicarbonate levels indicate metabolic acidosis, typical of hypoxemic respiratory failure. Hypercapnia from COPD would be respiratory acidosis. Sympathomimetics do not produce alkalosis. The values do not indicate respiratory acidosis from hypercapnia, as the PaCO2 is within normal limits.
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a. lens inspection. b. near vision evaluation. c. sclera observation. d. visual field assessment.
In which instance would it be most important for the nurse to set limits?
a. An involuntarily hospitalized patient insists on being discharged. b. Two patients are found kissing in an obscure area of the unit. c. A patient with suicidal ideation asks to leave the unit. d. A depressed patient seeks daily telephone privileges.
The nurse taking a focused health history for a patient with possible testicular cancer will ask the patient about a history of
a. testicular torsion. b. testicular trauma. c. undescended testicles. d. sexually transmitted infection (STI).
A home health nurse should observe the client and his or her caregiver's interactions looking for indications of isolation, threats, or fear. These might indicate
1. Financial abuse. 2. Neglect. 3. Physical abuse. 4. Psychological abuse.