A patient who was involved in a motor vehicle crash has had a tracheostomy placed to allow for continued mechanical ventilation. How should the nurse interpret the following arterial blood gas results: pH 7.48, PaO2 85 mm Hg, PaCO2 32 mm Hg, and HCO3 25 mEq/L?

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Introduction to Nursing Chapter 1 Quizlet Questions

Question 1 of 5

A patient who was involved in a motor vehicle crash has had a tracheostomy placed to allow for continued mechanical ventilation. How should the nurse interpret the following arterial blood gas results: pH 7.48, PaO2 85 mm Hg, PaCO2 32 mm Hg, and HCO3 25 mEq/L?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct interpretation of the arterial blood gas results provided is respiratory alkalosis (Choice D). 1. pH is high (alkalosis) at 7.48, indicating respiratory alkalosis. 2. PaO2 is within normal range, ruling out any significant oxygenation issues. 3. PaCO2 is low at 32 mm Hg, indicating respiratory alkalosis. 4. HCO3 is within normal range at 25 mEq/L, not indicative of metabolic acid-base imbalance. Summary: - Choice A (Metabolic acidosis) is incorrect as HCO3 is within normal range. - Choice B (Metabolic alkalosis) is incorrect as HCO3 is within normal range. - Choice C (Respiratory acidosis) is incorrect as PaCO2 is low, indicating alkalosis.

Question 2 of 5

Which action should the nurse take first when a patient develops epistaxis?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for a patient with epistaxis is to apply squeezing pressure to the nostrils for 10 minutes. This helps to control the bleeding by applying direct pressure to the affected blood vessels. It is the initial and most immediate intervention to stop the bleeding. Packing the nare with an epistaxis balloon (choice A) or obtaining silver nitrate for cauterization (choice C) are more invasive measures that should be considered if bleeding persists after applying pressure. Instilling a vasoconstrictor medication (choice D) may help in some cases but is not the first-line intervention.

Question 3 of 5

The nurse reviews the medication administration record (MAR) for a patient having an acute asthma attack. Which medication should the nurse administer first?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Albuterol (Ventolin HFA) 2.5 mg per nebulizer. During an acute asthma attack, the priority is to quickly open up the airways to improve breathing. Albuterol is a short-acting bronchodilator that works rapidly to relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow. Administering Albuterol via nebulizer allows for efficient delivery of the medication directly to the lungs. Methylprednisolone (A) is a corticosteroid that helps reduce airway inflammation but takes longer to have an effect. Salmeterol (C) is a long-acting bronchodilator used for maintenance therapy, not for immediate relief during an acute attack. Ipratropium (D) is an anticholinergic bronchodilator that can be used in combination with Albuterol, but Albuterol alone is the initial priority for acute symptom

Question 4 of 5

A nurse assesses clients on the medical-surgical unit. Which client is at greatest risk for development of obstructive sleep apnea?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, the 55-year-old woman who is 50 lb overweight. Obesity is a major risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as excess weight can lead to airway obstruction during sleep. This increases the likelihood of pauses in breathing and disrupted sleep patterns. Pregnant women (choice A) may experience OSA due to hormonal changes but it is usually temporary. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (choice B) can exacerbate OSA but is not the primary risk factor. While type 2 diabetes (choice D) is associated with OSA, obesity is a more significant risk factor in this case.

Question 5 of 5

A 62-yr-old patient who has no history of hypertension or other health problems suddenly develops a blood pressure (BP) of 198/110 mm Hg. After reconfirming the BP. It is appropriate for the nurse to tell the patient that:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because a sudden high blood pressure reading warrants further evaluation for diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. This patient's elevated BP of 198/110 mm Hg puts them at risk for serious complications like stroke, heart attack, or kidney damage. It is crucial to assess the underlying cause, initiate appropriate treatment, and closely monitor the BP to prevent complications. Choice A is incorrect because waiting a few weeks for a recheck can delay necessary intervention. Choice B is incorrect as simply adjusting diet may not be sufficient to address the sudden spike in BP. Choice D is incorrect because while there is a risk of stroke, hospitalization may not be required immediately without further assessment and management.

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