Physiological Adaptation Flashcards
6 cards from real RN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Physiological Adaptation flashcards as text
A patient presents with Kussmaul respirations, fruity breath odor, and blood glucose of 520 mg/dL. Which condition does the nurse suspect?
Answer: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
DKA presents with Kussmaul respirations (deep, rapid breathing to compensate for metabolic acidosis), fruity breath from ketones, and markedly elevated blood glucose.
Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with prolonged vomiting?
Answer: Hypokalemia
Prolonged vomiting causes loss of hydrochloric acid and potassium, leading to hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis.
A patient with chronic kidney disease has a serum potassium of 6.8 mEq/L. The nurse's priority intervention is to:
Answer: Prepare for cardiac monitoring
Hyperkalemia at 6.8 mEq/L poses a life-threatening cardiac risk; continuous cardiac monitoring must be initiated immediately.
A patient post-thyroidectomy develops tingling around the mouth and muscle cramps. The nurse should check which lab value first?
Answer: Serum calcium
Parathyroid glands may be inadvertently removed during thyroidectomy, causing hypocalcemia with characteristic perioral tingling and muscle cramps (Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs).
Which assessment finding indicates successful treatment of fluid volume deficit in a dehydrated patient?
Answer: Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg with moist mucous membranes
Adequate blood pressure with moist mucous membranes indicates restored fluid volume, whereas low urine output, tachycardia, and high specific gravity suggest ongoing deficit.
A nurse caring for a patient in the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury expects which finding?
Answer: Elevated BUN and creatinine
The oliguric phase is characterized by urine output less than 400 mL/day and accumulation of waste products, resulting in elevated BUN and creatinine.