Normal blood pH must be maintained within a narrow range of 7.35-7.45 to ensure the proper functioning of metabolic processes and the delivery of the right amount of oxygen to tissues. Acidosis refers to an excess of acid in the blood that causes the pH to fall below 7.35, and alkalosis refers to an excess of base in the blood that causes the pH to rise above 7.45.
Vomiting, hypokalemia, overdosage of NaHCO3 and NGT suctioning are considered risk factors of metabolic alkalosis.
The tongue is smooth and beefy red in the client with vitamin B12 deficiency, so examining the tongue should be included in the physical assessment. Bleeding, Options A, B, and C: Bleeding, splenomegaly, and blood pressure changes do not occur.
Hyperventilation is typically the underlying cause of respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation is also known as overbreathing. When someone is hyperventilating, they tend to breathe very deeply or very rapidly.
Transfusion reaction is most likely during the first 15 minutes of infusion, and a nurse should be present during this period. Option B: PRBCs should be infused through a 19g or larger IV catheter to avoid slow flow, which can cause clotting. Option C: PRBCs must be flushed with 0.45% normal saline solution. Other intravenous solutions will hemolyze the cells.
Salicylate overdose causes a high anion gap metabolic acidosis in both children and adults. Adults commonly develop a mixed acid-base disorder as a respiratory alkalosis due to direct respiratory centre stimulation occurs as well. This second disorder is uncommon in children.
NGT suctioning, vomiting, hypokalemia and overdosage of NaHCO3 are considered risk factors of metabolic alkalosis.
A definitive diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease is made if Reed-Sternberg cells are found on pathologic examination of the excised lymph node. Option B: Lymphoblasts are immature cells found in the bone marrow of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Option C: Gaucher's cells are large storage cells found in patients with Gaucher's disease. Option D: Rieder's cells are myeloblasts found in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia.
The client should be positioned upright and leaning forward, to prevent aspiration of blood. Options A, B, and D: Direct pressure to the nose stops the bleeding, and ice packs should be applied directly to the nose as well. If a pack is necessary, the nares are loosely packed.
During induction chemotherapy, the leukemia patient is severely immunocompromised and at risk of serious infection. Fresh flowers, fruit, and plants can carry microbes and should be avoided. Options A, B, and D: Books, pictures, and other personal items can be cleaned with antimicrobials before being brought into the room to minimize the risk of contamination.
The oral mucosa and hard palate (roof of the mouth) are the best indicators of jaundice in dark-skinned persons. Option A: The conjunctiva can have normal deposits of fat, which give a yellowish hue. Option B: The soles of the feet can be yellow if they are calloused. Option D: The shins would be an area of darker pigment.
Petechiae are not usually visualized on dark skin. The soles of the feet and palms of the hand provide a lighter surface for assessing the client for petechiae. Options A, B, and C: The skin in the abdomen, thorax, and earlobes might be too dark to make an assessment.
The normal value for bicarbonate (HCO3) is 22-26 mmol/L or mEq/L. It may vary slightly among different laboratories. The given values show the common measurement range of results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.
The most prominent clinical manifestation of sickle cell crisis is pain. However, the pulse oximetry indicates that oxygen levels are low; thus, oxygenation takes precedence over pain relief. Option A: Warm environment reduces pain and minimizes sickling, it would not be a priority. Option B: Although hydration is important, it would not require a bolus. Option D: Demerol is acidifying to the blood and increases sickling.
The normal range for PaCO2 is from 35 to 45 mm Hg.
Exercise is important for all hospitalized patients to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Muscular contraction promotes venous return and prevents hemostasis in the lower extremities. Options A, B, and D: This exercise is not sufficiently vigorous to increase physical fitness, nor is it intended to prevent bedsores or constipation.
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NCLEX-RN Test #6