Respiratory alkalosis occurs as a consequence of hyperventilation because CO is blown off more quickly than it is produced, decreasing the amount of carbonic acid in the body fluids.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Hyperventilation leads to increased exhalation of CO2. 2. Reduced CO2 levels result in decreased carbonic acid formation. 3. The decrease in carbonic acid causes alkalosis. 4. Therefore, respiratory alkalosis occurs due to CO2 being removed faster than produced. Other choices (B, C, D) are incorrect as they do not provide a logical explanation for respiratory alkalosis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct action is to start the prescribed PRN oxygen at 2 to 4 L/min. In diabetic ketoacidosis, rapid, deep respirations are a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis. Administering oxygen helps improve oxygenation and reduces the work of breathing. Encouraging deep slow breaths (choice B) may worsen the patient's condition by interfering with the compensatory mechanism. Giving lorazepam (choice A) is unnecessary and could potentially depress the respiratory drive. Administering fluid bolus and insulin (choice D) are essential treatments for diabetic ketoacidosis, but addressing the respiratory distress with oxygen takes priority in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Skim Milk. Skim milk is high in phosphorus, which is not suitable for a patient on a low phosphate diet due to renal failure. The rationale is to limit phosphorus intake to prevent further complications. Grape juice (B), tea (C), and mixed green salad (D) are lower in phosphorus compared to skim milk and can be included in a low phosphate diet.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Test for presence of Chvostek's sign. After a thyroidectomy, tingling around the mouth could indicate hypocalcemia, which can lead to tetany. Chvostek's sign is a test for hypocalcemia, where facial twitching occurs when the facial nerve is tapped. This assessment is crucial to identify potential complications and initiate timely interventions. Incorrect choices: A: Verify the serum potassium level - While electrolyte imbalances can occur post-thyroidectomy, hypocalcemia is more likely to cause the tingling sensation around the mouth. C: Observe for blood on the neck dressing - While assessing for bleeding is important, it does not directly address the tingling sensation reported by the patient. D: Confirm a prescription for thyroid replacement - While important for long-term management post-thyroidectomy, it does not address the immediate concern of tingling sensation related to hypocalcemia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because an increase in weight indicates fluid retention. In this case, the weight increased from 97.5 kg to 99 kg, suggesting a gain of 1.5 kg, which corresponds to fluid retention of 1.5 liters. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the situation described in the question. Choice A does not account for fluid retention, choice C suggests fluid loss despite weight gain, and choice D mentions insensible losses which are not relevant to the weight gain observed.