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 C
Explanation
A. Providing a structured activity schedule can be beneficial but comes after understanding the triggers of the behaviors.
B. Relaxation techniques are helpful but would be more effective after understanding the client's specific rituals and triggers.
C. The first step in managing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is understanding the triggers or precipitating factors for the client's ritualistic behaviors. This helps the nurse identify patterns and understand the client's anxiety, which is essential for planning further interventions.
D. Discussing alternative coping strategies is important but should follow an assessment of the factors that drive the compulsive behaviors.
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