Deck 9: Acid-Base Balance

Question 1

The patient has severe hyperthyroidism and will have surgery tomorrow. What assessment is most important for the nurse to assess in order to detect development of the acid-base imbalance for which the patient has highest risk?

A) Urine output and color
B) Level of consciousness
C) Heart rate and blood pressure
D) Lung sounds in lung bases

Answer 1

Level of consciousness

Question 2

The patient is hyperventilating from anxiety and abdominal pain. Which assessment findings should the nurse attribute to respiratory alkalosis? (Select all that apply.)

A) Skin pale and cold
B) Tingling of fingertips
C) Heart rate of 102
D) Numbness around mouth
E) Cramping in feet

Answer 2

Tingling of fingertips
Numbness around mouth
Cramping in feet

Question 3

Which statements said by patients indicate that the nurse's teaching regarding prevention of acid-base imbalances is successful? (Select all that apply.)

A) "Baking soda is an effective and inexpensive antacid."
B) "I should take my insulin on time every day."
C) "My aspirin is on a high shelf away from children."
D) "I have reliable transportation to dialysis sessions."
E) "Fasting is a great way to lose weight rapidly."

Answer 3

"I should take my insulin on time every day."
"My aspirin is on a high shelf away from children."
"I have reliable transportation to dialysis sessions."

Question 4

The patient has type B chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbated by an acute upper respiratory infection. Which blood gas values should the nurse expect to see?

A) pH high, PaCO₂ high, HCO₃- high
B) pH low, PaCO₂ low, HCO₃- low
C) pH low, PaCO₂ high, HCO₃- high
D) pH low, PaCO₂ high, HCO₃- normal

Question 5

The patient had diarrhea for 5 days and developed an acid-base imbalance. Which statement would indicate that the nurse's teaching about the acid-base imbalance has been effective?

A) "To prevent another problem, I should eat less sodium during diarrhea."
B) "My blood became too acid because I lost some base in the diarrhea fluid."
C) "Diarrhea removes fluid from the body, so I should drink more ice water."
D) "I should try to slow my breathing so my acids and bases will be balanced."

Question 6

The nurse has telephone messages from four patients who requested information and assistance. Which one should the nurse refer to a social worker or community agency first?

A) "Is there a place that I can dispose of my unused morphine pills?"
B) "I want to lose at least 20 pounds without getting sick this time."
C) "I think I have asthma because I cough when dogs are near."
D) "I ran out of money and am cutting my insulin dose in half."

Question 7

The nurse is making a home visit to a child who has a chronic disease. Which finding has the greatest implication for acid-base aspects of this patient's care?

A) Urine output is very small today.
B) Whites of the eyes appear more yellow.
C) Skin around the mouth is very chapped.
D) Skin is sweaty under three blankets.