Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (Free-Trial)

A client has a nasogastric (NG) tube placed during abdominal surgery. During postoperative convalescence, the nurse identifies that the client is manifesting a hand tremor, muscle twitching, and confusion. Which arterial blood gases consistent with metabolic alkalosis should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?

Reference Range pH 17.35 to 7.45]

PaCO2 135 to 45 mm Hg]

HCO3 [21 to 28 mEq/L or 21 to 28 mmol/L]

PaO2 [80 to 100 mm Hg]

pH 7.30, PCO, 20 mm Hg, HCO, 22 mEq/L (22 mmol/L), PO, 85 mm Hg.

pH 7.46, PCO, 55 mm Hg, HCO, 36 mEq/L (36 mmol/L), PO, 95 mm Hg.

pH 7.49, PCO, 45 mm Hg, HCO, 32 mEq/L (32 mmol), PO, 90 mm Hg.

pH 7.29, PCO, 35 mm Hg, HCO, 25 mEq/L (25 mmol/L), PO, 99 mm Hg.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

B. pH 7.46, PCO2 55 mm Hg, HCO3 36 mEq/L, PO2 95 mm Hg

The pH is high (alkalotic).

The HCO3 level is elevated, indicating metabolic alkalosis.

The PCO2 is high (respiratory acidotic picture due to secondary response). This option matches the criteria for metabolic alkalosis.

A. pH 7.30, PCO2 20 mm Hg, HCO3 22 mEq/L, PO2 85 mm Hg

The pH is low (acidic), not alkalotic.

The HCO3 level is within the normal range.

The PCO2 is low, which could indicate respiratory alkalosis. This option does not match the criteria for metabolic alkalosis.

C. pH 7.49, PCO2 45 mm Hg, HCO3 32 mEq/L, PO2 90 mm Hg The pH is high (alkalotic).

The HCO3 level is elevated, indicating metabolic alkalosis. The PCO2 is within the normal range.

This option does not meet the criteria for metabolic alkalosis D pH 7.29, PCO2 35 mm Hg, HCO3 25 mEq/L, PO2 99 mm Hg

The pH is low (acidic), not alkalotic. The HCO3 level is low, not elevated. The PCO2 is within the normal range.

This option does not match the criteria for metabolic alkalosis.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Inserting a nasogastric tube (NGT) and attaching it to low intermittent suction would be appropriate in this situation. Dark brown emesis could indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which may require gastric decompression to prevent further vomiting and assess the volume and characteristics of the gastric contents.

B. Placing an indwelling urinary catheter and attaching a bedside drainage unit is not the priority intervention in this scenario.

C. Sending the client to x-ray for a flat plate of the abdomen may provide diagnostic information, but it is not the most immediate intervention needed in this situation.

D. Giving a prescribed analgesic for a temperature above 101°F (38.3°C) is not the priority intervention in this scenario.

A. Counsel family members to monitor for illness symptoms for 2 weeks after last contact with patient. B. Isolate the client from other clients, family, and healthcare workers not wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE). C. Teach the client to wear a mask, hand wash, and social distance to prevent spreading the virus. D. Report the COVID-19 result to the local health department according to Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

B. Isolating the client is crucial to minimize exposure to individuals who are not wearing proper PPE and to reduce the risk of spreading the virus within the healthcare setting and among family members.

A. is important for informing family members about potential exposure and monitoring for symptoms, but it is not as immediate as isolating the client to prevent further transmission.

C. is also important for educating the client on preventive measures to reduce the spread of the virus, but isolating the client takes precedence in the immediate management of potential COVID-19 cases.

D. is important for public health surveillance and contact tracing efforts, but it is not as immediate as isolating the client and educating them about preventive measures.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client presents to the emergency department with muscle aches, headache, fever, and describes a recent loss of taste and smell. The nurse obtains a nasal swab for COVID-19 testing. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client with emphysema reports difficulty breathing and exhibits audible wheezing. The nurse administers albuterol as prescribed for the third time within the last 12 hours. Which assessment finding warrants Immediate intervention by the nurse?

The client with Clostridium difficile in the stool receives a prescription for vancomycin PO. Which action should the nurse take before administering the first dose?

A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receives a new prescription for an ipratropium inhaler. Which action indicates to the nurse that additional teaching is needed?

The nurse notes that a client has been receiving hydromorphone every six hours for four days. Which assessment is most important for the nurse to complete?

The nurse is caring for a client who has been admitted with a diagnosis of esophageal cancer. The client reports a pain level of 8 on a 0 to 10 pain scale, dysphagia, anorexia, anxiety and a hoarse voice. Which nursing problem is the priority for this client?

Which approach is best for the nurse to use when directing a client with Huntington's disease to the hospital cafeteria?

Patient Data Exhibits According to the client's vital signs, he is experiencing dropdown and dropdown

Patient Data Exhibits What actions can the nurse do to assist the client in improving their ventilation and oxygenation? Select all that apply.