A nurse evaluates the following arterial blood gas values in a client: pH 7.48, PaO2 98 mm Hg, PaCO2 28 mm Hg, and HCO3 22 mEq/L (22 mmol/L). Which client condition does the nurse correlate with these results?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Anxiety-induced hyperventilation. The pH of 7.48 indicates alkalosis, likely due to hyperventilation (respiratory alkalosis). The PaCO2 of 28 mm Hg is below the normal range (35-45 mm Hg), supporting hyperventilation. HCO3 of 22 mEq/L is within the normal range, compensating for the respiratory alkalosis. PaO2 of 98 mm Hg is also within the normal range. Therefore, the ABG values are consistent with a respiratory alkalosis caused by hyperventilation due to anxiety. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A: Diarrhea and vomiting for 36 hours would likely result in metabolic acidosis due to loss of bicarbonate, which is not supported by the ABG values. C: COPD typically presents with respiratory acidosis due to retention of CO2, which is not the case here. D

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: decreased length of hospital stay. Increasing healthcare costs lead to hospitals aiming to reduce costs by decreasing the length of hospital stays. Shorter stays reduce overall expenses for the hospital. This is a direct result of the effect of increasing healthcare costs on hospital admissions. The other choices are incorrect because decreased number of surgeries (B) and fewer surgeries in ambulatory centers (D) are related to surgical procedures, not hospital admissions. Increased hospital admissions (C) would not typically be a result of increasing healthcare costs, as hospitals aim to minimize costs by reducing length of stays rather than increasing admissions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The nursing process is patient-centered, systematic, and outcomes-oriented. This means it focuses on the individual's needs, follows a structured approach with specific steps (assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation), and aims to achieve positive outcomes. Option A is incorrect because it includes medical terminology which is not a defining characteristic of the nursing process. Option B is incorrect as it mentions nurse-centered and single focus, which do not capture the holistic and patient-centered nature of the nursing process. Option D is incorrect as it describes a single point in time and intuitive approach, which are not reflective of the systematic and ongoing nature of the nursing process.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Placing a patient chart in a holder on the examining room door with the name facing out is an example of an incidental disclosure of patient health information that is permitted. This is because the information disclosed is minimal and necessary for the function of providing care. It does not overly expose sensitive information and is in line with standard practices in healthcare settings. The other choices are incorrect: A: Putting out a sign-in sheet for incoming patients may expose patient names to others in the waiting room, potentially violating patient privacy. B: Overhearing nurses discussing a patient through a door breaches patient confidentiality as it exposes sensitive information to unauthorized individuals. D: Leaving an x-ray on a light board in the hallway exposes patient health information to individuals who may not have a legitimate need to access it, leading to a breach of privacy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct term for nurses visiting selected patients individually at the beginning of each shift is "nursing care rounds" (Choice D). This term refers to the systematic process of nurses assessing and discussing patient care needs. Nursing care conferences (Choice A) involve a group discussion, not individual visits. Staff visits (Choice B) are too general and do not specifically refer to nurses visiting patients. Interdisciplinary referrals (Choice C) involve involving multiple healthcare disciplines, not just nurses visiting patients individually. Therefore, Choice D is the correct answer.