Author Question: The nurse is assessing a patient's differential white blood cell count. What implications would this ... (Read 74 times)

craiczarry · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The nurse is assessing a patient's differential white blood cell count. What implications would this test have on evaluating the adequacy of a patient's gas exchange?

a. An elevation of the total white cell count indicates generalized inflammation.
b. Eosinophil count will assist to identify the presence of a respiratory infection.
c. White cell count will differentiate types of respiratory bacteria.
d. Level of neutrophils provides guidelines to monitor a chronic infection.

Question 2

The nurse is reviewing the patient's arterial blood gas results. The PaO2 is 96 mm Hg, pH is 7.20, PaCO2 is 55 mm Hg, and HCO3 is 25 mEq/L. What might the nurse expect to observe on assessment of this patient?

a. Disorientation and tremors
b. Tachycardia and decreased blood pressure
c. Increased anxiety and irritability
d. Hyperventilation and lethargy

aadams68 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Elevation of total white cell count is indicative of inflammation that is often due to an infection. Upper respiratory infections are common problems in altering a patient's gas exchange. Eosinophil cells are increased in an allergic response. Neutrophils are more indicative of an acute inflammatory response. White cells do not assist to differentiate types of respiratory bacteria. Monocytes are an indicator of progress of a chronic infection.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The patient is experiencing respiratory acidosis (pH and PaCO2) which may be manifested by disorientation, tremors, possible seizures, and decreased level of consciousness. Tachycardia and decreased blood pressure are not characteristic of a problem of respiratory acidosis. Increased anxiety and hyperventilation will cause respiratory alkalosis, which is manifested by an increase in pH and a decrease in PaCO2.