Author Question: The ICU nurse is concerned with her patient's arterial blood gas (ABG) resultsespecially the pH ... (Read 82 times)

vicotolentino · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The ICU nurse is concerned with her patient's arterial blood gas (ABG) resultsespecially the pH 7.30; and PCO2 49 mm Hg. The nurse interprets these ABG results to mean respiratory acidosis.

The nurse knows which of the following are clinical manifestations of respiratory acidosis? Select all that apply.
A)
Headache with complaints of blurred vision
B)
Muscle twitching
C)
Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
D)
Complaints of paresthesia sensations around the lips/mouth
E)
Numbness in the fingers and toes

Question 2

Following kidney transplantation, the patient is prescribed maintenance immunosuppressive therapy consisting of prednisone, azathioprine, and cyclosporine.

Educating the patient about long-term maintenance on immunosuppressive therapy should include discussion of side effects that may include: (Select all that apply).
A)
cardiovascular complications.
B)
increased risk of developing cancer.
C)
nephrotoxicity of a newly transplanted kidney.
D)
development of moon face and buffalo hump.
E)
ringing or buzzing of the ears.

Carliemb17 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans:
A, B

Feedback:

Carbon dioxide readily crosses the blood-brain barrier, exerting its effects by changing the pH of brain fluids. Elevated levels of CO2 produce vasodilation of cerebral blood vessels, causing headache, blurred vision, irritability, muscle twitching, and psychological disturbances. Distracters C and D are related to hypocalcaemia. Numbness in the fingers and toes correlates with respiratory alkalosis.

Answer to Question 2

Ans:
A, B

Feedback:

Mostly all immunosuppressive drugs have serious side effects such as CV complications, metabolic dysfunction, and cancer. Rarely do these medications harm the newly transplanted kidney. Distracter D lists classic s/s of Cushing syndrome. Ringing or buzzing of the ears can be associated with ibuprofen intake.