NCSBN - National Council of State Boards of Nursing Physiological Adaptation Questions and Answers

Question 1

A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas (ABG) results for a client with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The results are: pH 7.28, PaCO2 58 mm Hg, PaO2 65 mm Hg, and HCO3 25 mEq/L.
Which acid-base imbalance should the nurse identify?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory acidosis, uncompensated

Answer

Metabolic acidosis, uncompensated

Answer

Respiratory alkalosis, partially compensated

Answer

Metabolic alkalosis, uncompensated

Question 2

A nurse is caring for a client with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which laboratory finding is an expected physiological adaptation to this condition?

Accepted Answer

Hyperphosphatemia

Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Decreased serum creatinine

Answer

Hypercalcemia

Question 3

A client is admitted to the emergency department with suspected diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The nurse observes the client's breathing pattern as very deep, rapid, and labored. The nurse correctly identifies this breathing pattern as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Kussmaul respirations

Answer

Cheyne-Stokes respirations

Answer

Apneustic breathing

Answer

Biot's respirations

Question 4

A nurse is assessing a client who sustained multiple traumatic injuries and is in the compensatory stage of hypovolemic shock. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect?

Accepted Answer

Cool, clammy skin

Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Hypotension

Answer

Decreased respiratory rate

Question 5

An older adult client is brought to the emergency department from an un-airconditioned home during a heat wave. The client has an altered mental status, a temperature of 105.1°F (40.6°C), and hot, dry skin. The nurse should recognize these findings as characteristic of which condition?

Accepted Answer

Heat stroke

Answer

Sepsis

Answer

Heat exhaustion

Answer

Malignant hyperthermia

Question 6

A client with acute decompensated heart failure is receiving a high-dose intravenous infusion of furosemide, a loop diuretic. Which electrolyte imbalance is the client at the highest risk for developing?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Hypermagnesemia

Answer

Hypercalcemia

Answer

Hyponatremia

A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas (ABG) results for a client with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).The results are: pH 7.28, PaCO2 58 mm Hg, PaO2 65 mm Hg, and HCO3 25 mEq/L.Which acid-base imbalance should the nurse identify?

A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas (ABG) results for a client with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The results are: pH 7.28, PaCO2 58 mm Hg, PaO2 65 mm Hg, and HCO3 25 mEq/L.
Which acid-base imbalance should the nurse identify?