A patient is admitted who has had severe vomiting for 24 hours. She states that she is exhausted and weak. The results of an admitting ECG show flat T waves and ST segment depression. Choose the most likely potassium (K ) value for this patient.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The patient is displaying signs of hypokalemia (low potassium levels) due to severe vomiting. Symptoms of hypokalemia can include weakness, fatigue, and ECG changes such as flat T waves and ST segment depression. The potassium level that is most likely associated with these symptoms is 2.0mEq/L. Severe vomiting can lead to significant loss of potassium from the body, causing these abnormalities. It is important to address and correct the potassium imbalance to prevent further complications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When a person loses 0.5 kg of weight, it is commonly assumed that most of the weight loss is due to fluid loss. The approximate fluid loss for every 0.5 kg of weight loss is around 500 ml. This estimation is based on the fact that 1 kg of body weight is approximately equivalent to 1 liter of fluid. Therefore, for a 0.5 kg weight loss, the fluid loss would be approximately 500 ml (0.5 liters).

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Chronic respiratory acidosis is a condition where there is an excess of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood due to inadequate exhalation of CO2. This typically occurs as a result of hypoventilation, which is characterized by breathing at an abnormally slow rate or shallow depth. In patients with long-standing lung disease, the ability to effectively exchange gases in the lungs is compromised, leading to a buildup of CO2 in the bloodstream and subsequent respiratory acidosis. Hyperventilation, on the other hand, would result in a decrease in CO2 levels in the blood, while the loss of acid or base by the kidneys is related to metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, not respiratory acidosis. Therefore, in this case, the primary problem causing chronic respiratory acidosis is hypoventilation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: 1. Setting up a visit from a well-adjusted laryngectomee should be the first priority. This action will provide emotional support and guidance from someone who has gone through a similar experience, which can be extremely beneficial for the new laryngectomee in adjusting to their new situation and learning coping strategies.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: IV morphine is the most appropriate choice among the options provided for quickly reducing shortness of breath (SOB) in a crisis situation for a patient with end-stage respiratory disease. Morphine is commonly used in palliative care for symptom management in patients with severe respiratory distress. It acts as a respiratory depressant by reducing the perception of breathlessness, which can help alleviate the distressing symptoms of dyspnea. The rapid onset of action of IV morphine makes it an effective option for immediate relief in emergency situations for patients experiencing significant SOB due to end-stage respiratory disease. Oral cortisone, IM meperidine (Demerol), and IV propranolol (Inderal) are not primary choices for quickly reducing SOB in this context.