A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has respiratory alkalosis and is hyperventilating. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Plan to administer insulin to the client.
Plan to administer sodium bicarbonate to the client.
Have the client breath into a paper bag
Have the client place their head between their knees.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Plan to administer insulin to the client: Insulin is not indicated for respiratory alkalosis; it is used for managing hyperglycemia in diabetic patients.
B. Plan to administer sodium bicarbonate to the client: Sodium bicarbonate is not appropriate for respiratory alkalosis and could worsen the condition.
C. Have the client breathe into a paper bag: Breathing into a paper bag can help increase carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which is often helpful in treating respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation.
D. Have the client place their head between their knees: This position does not directly address hyperventilation or help regulate breathing.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates a possible air leak in the system, which needs to be assessed and potentially reported to the charge nurse for further evaluation.
B. Patient respiratory status is stable and denies pain to chest tube site: This is a normal finding and does not require reporting.
C. Tidalling, fluctuations in the fluid level in the water-seal chamber: This is a normal finding, indicating that the chest tube is functioning properly and that the lungs are expanding.
D. Occasional bubbling in the water-seal chamber: This may be acceptable, especially with respiratory movements, as it could indicate that the patient is exhaling, but continuous bubbling is concerning.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Plan to administer insulin to the client: Insulin is not indicated for respiratory alkalosis; it is used for managing hyperglycemia in diabetic patients.
B. Plan to administer sodium bicarbonate to the client: Sodium bicarbonate is not appropriate for respiratory alkalosis and could worsen the condition.
C. Have the client breathe into a paper bag: Breathing into a paper bag can help increase carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which is often helpful in treating respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation.
D. Have the client place their head between their knees: This position does not directly address hyperventilation or help regulate breathing.