Why would the nurse perform an inspection of the oral cavity ...

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Why would the nurse perform an inspection of the oral cavity during a complete pulmonary assessment?
 
  a. To provide evidence of hypoxia
  b. To provide evidence of dyspnea
  c. To provide evidence of dehydration
  d. To provide evidence of nutritional status

Question 2

On admission, a patient presents as follows: pH, 7.38; respiratory rate, 24 breaths/min, regular, pursed-lip breathing; PaO2, 66 mm Hg; heart rate, 112 beats/min, sinus tachycardia;
 
  PaCO2, 52 mm Hg; blood pressure, 110/68 mm Hg; HCO3, 34 mEq/L; and SpO2, 90 on O2 2 L/min nasal cannula. These gases show
 
  a. uncompensated metabolic alkalosis.
  b. uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
  c. compensated respiratory acidosis.
  d. compensated respiratory alkalosis.

[IAPPLET]

Answer to Question 1

A
Severe hypoxia will be manifested by central cyanosis, which is evident in the oral and circumoral areas. Although dehydration and nutritional status can both be partially assessed by oral cavity inspection; this information is not as vital as determining hypoxia. Dyspnea means difficulty breathing.

Answer to Question 2

C
The pH is closer to the acidic level, so the primary disorder is acidosis. Compensated respiratory acidosis values include a pH of 7.35 to 7.39, PACO2 greater than 45 mm Hg, and HCO3 greater than 26 mEq/L. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis values include a pH below 7.35, PACO2 above 45 mm Hg, and HCO3- of 22 to 26 mEq/L. Compensated respiratory alkalosis values include a pH of 7.41 to 7.45, PACO2 below 35 mm Hg, and HCO3 below 22 mEq/L. Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis values include a pH above 7.45, PACO2 of 35 to 45 mm Hg, and HCO3- above 26 mEq/L.

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