Wesley is a 36-year-old patient with meningitis. He has a fever of 102.3° F. Wesley's wife is concerned because he is "breathing fast."
Upon assessing Wesley, the nurse notes a respiratory rate of 20 . What is the best explanation for the rapid respiratory rate that the nurse can give Wesley's wife?
A. "He is most likely anxious because he is in the hospital."
B. "His fever has increased his metabolic rate and is causing him to breathe faster."
C. "He is hyperventilating because he needs more oxygen."
D. "He has an acid-base imbalance, which is causing him to hyperventilate."
B
An increase of 1° F in body temperature causes a 7% increase in the metabolic rate, thereby in-creasing carbon dioxide production. The clinical response is increased rate and depth of respira-tion.
You might also like to view...
A patient who is scheduled to begin chemotherapy for the treatment of breast cancer is anxious about the possibility of experiencing nausea and has asked the nurse multiple questions about the physiology of the phenomenon
When explaining the physiology of nausea and vomiting, the nurse should include which of the following statements? A) The vomiting center is a cluster of cells in the cerebellum. B) The vomiting center sends afferent signals to the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ). C) The chemoreceptor trigger zone CTZ is composed of neurons in the fourth ventricle. D) The CTZ is located partly within the central nervous system and partly in the peripheral nervous system.
The nurse is concerned that a client with bowel and bladder dysfunction is at risk for developing an infection. Which actions should the nurse take to help reduce this client's risk for developing an infection?
Select all that apply. A) Turn and reposition the client every 2 hours. B) Monitor intake and output. C) Provide hygienic care after episodes of incontinence. D) Use standard precautions when handling linen after episodes of incontinence. E) Cover wounds with antibiotic ointment and sterile gauze.
An instructor is preparing a class for a group of students about professional organizations and the leadership provided
Which of the following would the instructor include as an important function of the International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses? A) Advocating for mental health nursing practice through liaison activities B) Advancing psychiatric–mental health nursing practice C) Improving mental health care for culturally diverse individuals D) Providing a strong voice for psychiatric–mental health nurses
Patients taking acyclovir (Zovirax) may develop adverse effects such as:
A. thrombocytopenia. B. leucopenia. C. blurred vision or tinnitus. D. hypotension and congestive heart failure.