A 25-year-old patient with generalized anxiety disorder presents to the ED with shortness of breath, dizziness, and tingling in the fingers. The nurse reviews the ABG results: pH: 7.50, PaCO2: 30 mmHg HCO3: 24 mEq/L. What is the most likely acid-base imbalance?
Respiratory acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
The Correct Answer is C
A. Respiratory acidosis would present with a low pH (acidotic) and a high PaCO2, which is not the case here.
B. Metabolic alkalosis would be suggested by an elevated pH and elevated HCO3, but here, the bicarbonate level is normal (24 mEq/L).
C. Respiratory alkalosis is indicated by a pH of 7.50 (alkalosis) and a PaCO2 of 30 mmHg, which is lower than the normal range (35-45 mmHg). This low PaCO2 suggests that the patient is hyperventilating, likely due to anxiety, which causes the body to excrete too much CO2.
D. Metabolic acidosis would present with a low pH and a low bicarbonate level, neither of which are seen in this case.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Lithium is a first-line treatment for managing both the manic and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder.
B. Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, not for bipolar disorder.
C. Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic often used in the treatment of acute mania in bipolar disorder.
D. Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer that is also used to treat acute mania.
E. Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer used for managing mania in bipolar disorder.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Joining a book club may be too ambitious at the start of treatment for someone with agoraphobia.
B. Gradual exposure to feared situations is a common treatment for agoraphobia. This plan represents a reasonable and incremental goal, showing understanding of the treatment approach.
C. Participating in group therapy might be too overwhelming and may not directly address the client's fear of being outside.
D. Avoidance of elevators and closed spaces goes against the goal of treatment, which is to face fears gradually and safely.
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