The nurse is caring for a patient in metabolic alkalosis. The patient has an NG tube to low intermittent suction for a diagnosis of bowel obstruction. What drug would the nurse expect to find on the medication orders?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cimetidine. In metabolic alkalosis, the blood pH is elevated due to excess bicarbonate. Cimetidine is a histamine-2 receptor antagonist that can help decrease gastric acid production, which can contribute to alkalosis. Maalox (B) is an antacid used to treat acid-related conditions, not alkalosis. Potassium chloride elixir (C) is used to correct potassium imbalances, not directly related to alkalosis. Furosemide (D) is a loop diuretic used to treat fluid retention and edema, not specifically indicated for metabolic alkalosis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct action is to stop the infusion of intravenous fluids. Edema and tenderness above the IV site suggest infiltration, where fluid leaks into surrounding tissues. Stopping the infusion prevents further damage and helps prevent complications. Applying cold compresses (A) may not address the underlying issue. Elevating the extremity (B) is helpful for other conditions like swelling due to dependent edema, not infiltration. Flushing the catheter (C) can exacerbate the issue by pushing more fluid into the tissue.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Report of headache and stiff neck. This finding indicates a potential complication of epidural anesthesia called a post-dural puncture headache, which can lead to serious consequences like meningitis or subdural hematoma. The nurse should act immediately by notifying the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. Redness at the catheter insertion site (A) may indicate local inflammation but doesn't require immediate intervention. Temperature elevation (C) could be a sign of infection but isn't as urgent as a headache and stiff neck. Pain rating of 8 (D) is important but doesn't indicate an immediate threat to the client's health like a post-dural puncture headache.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: Guillain-Barr syndrome can cause inadequate ventilation due to paralysis of the respiratory muscles. This results in respiratory acidosis. Endocarditis, multiple myeloma, and amphetamine overdose do not directly affect ventilation. Endocarditis is an infection of the heart valves, multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, and amphetamine overdose primarily affects the central nervous system and cardiovascular system, not ventilation. Therefore, Guillain-Barr syndrome is the most likely diagnosis in this case.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first is to assess the client's respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth (Choice A). Diminished handgrip strength in a client with hypokalemia could indicate potential respiratory muscle weakness, which can lead to respiratory distress or failure. By assessing the client's respiratory status, the nurse can determine if immediate intervention is needed to support breathing. Choice B is incorrect because measuring the client's pulse and blood pressure may not address the underlying issue of respiratory muscle weakness. Choice C is incorrect as it delays potential life-saving interventions by simply documenting findings. Choice D is incorrect as calling the healthcare provider should come after addressing the client's immediate respiratory needs.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: Fluid overload leads to increased fluid volume in the body, causing skin to appear pale, cool, and clammy due to poor circulation. Step 2: "Warm and pink skin" is not a typical manifestation of fluid overload. Step 3: Therefore, the correct answer is C. Summary: A: Increased pulse rate - Possible in fluid overload due to increased volume causing increased workload on the heart. B: Distended neck veins - Common in fluid overload due to increased venous pressure. C: Warm and pink skin - Incorrect, as skin is usually pale, cool, and clammy. D: Skeletal muscle weakness - Not directly related to fluid overload.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer the prescribed medication. The nurse has assessed the client's site and reviewed the chart, indicating readiness to administer the medication. It is crucial to follow the healthcare provider's order and administer the prescribed medication as planned. Notifying the provider (A) is unnecessary if all assessments are normal. Discontinuing the PICC line (C) without a valid reason can lead to complications. Switching to oral route (D) should only be considered if there are specific contraindications for the intravenous route. It's important to prioritize safe and effective medication administration based on the client's condition and healthcare provider's orders.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: U waves present on the electrocardiogram (ECG). U waves are indicative of hypokalemia, and their presence indicates that the potassium chloride treatment is improving the condition. Explanation: 1. A: Strong productive cough - This manifestation is not related to potassium levels and does not indicate improvement in hypokalemia. 2. B: Active bowel sounds - While hypokalemia can cause gastrointestinal issues, active bowel sounds alone do not specifically indicate improvement in potassium levels. 3. C: U waves present on ECG - U waves are a classic ECG finding in hypokalemia. The presence of U waves indicates a positive response to potassium chloride treatment. 4. D: No response provided - Not applicable. In summary, the presence of U waves on the ECG is a key indicator of improvement in hypokalemia, while the other manifestations do not directly relate to potassium levels.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B - Slow, shallow respirations Rationale: 1. Electrolyte imbalance in renal failure often leads to respiratory alkalosis, causing rapid and deep respirations, not slow and shallow. 2. Electrocardiogram changes (A) are common with electrolyte imbalances, particularly potassium and calcium. 3. Paralytic ileus (C) is a complication of electrolyte imbalances, affecting gastrointestinal motility. 4. Skeletal muscle weakness (D) is a common manifestation of electrolyte imbalances, especially potassium and magnesium deficiencies. Summary: Choice B is incorrect because slow, shallow respirations are not typically associated with electrolyte imbalances related to renal failure. Choices A, C, and D are commonly seen complications of electrolyte imbalances and should be assessed by the nurse.