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.
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A Preventing esophageal reflux is essential in managing symptoms associated with a direct hiatal hernia. Nursing interventions may include promoting proper positioning (elevating the head of the bed), encouraging smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding trigger foods, and administering medications as prescribed to reduce acid reflux.
B Promoting intestinal peristalsis may be beneficial in certain gastrointestinal conditions, such as constipation but it is not directly related to the management of a direct hiatal hernia.
C Promoting effective swallowing is important for overall swallowing function and preventing aspiration in some cases, it may not directly address the symptoms or complications associated with a direct hiatal hernia.
D Maintaining intact oral mucosa is important for oral health and preventing complications such as oral mucositis, but it is not directly related to the management of a direct hiatal hernia.
Correct Answer is ["B","D","F"]
Explanation
B. Encourage the client to take breaks from the oxygen mask every few hours: While supplemental oxygen may be necessary for clients with pneumonia who are hypoxemic, encouraging periodic breaks from the oxygen mask allows the client to mobilize and promote lung expansion, which can improve ventilation and oxygenation.
D. Ambulation helps prevent complications such as pneumonia-associated atelectasis by promoting lung expansion and mobilizing respiratory secretions. However, it's essential to ensure that ambulation is safe and appropriate based on the client's condition and mobility status.
F. Elevating the head of the bed promotes optimal lung expansion, reduces the work of breathing, and helps improve oxygenation in clients with pneumonia. This position also facilitates drainage of respiratory secretions and decreases the risk of aspiration.
A. Fever is often a sign of infection and can increase metabolic demand and oxygen consumption. Treating fever with antipyretics helps reduce metabolic demand, discomfort, and respiratory distress, thereby potentially improving ventilation and oxygenation.
C. Suctioning may be necessary to remove respiratory secretions in clients with pneumonia who are unable to clear their airways effectively. However, routine suctioning should be avoided unless clinically indicated, as it may cause discomfort and irritation to the airways.
E. Quick, shallow breaths (hyperventilation) can lead to respiratory alkalosis and impair oxygenation. Instead, clients with pneumonia should be encouraged to breathe slowly and deeply to promote effective gas exchange and lung expansion.
G. Teaching the client to cough at least once an hour: While coughing can help clear respiratory secretions and improve ventilation in clients with pneumonia, coughing excessively or unnecessarily may cause fatigue and discomfort. Clients should be encouraged to cough as needed to clear secretions but not excessively.
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