A client has been admitted with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Diagnostic tests have been ordered. Which of the tests will provide the most accurate indicator of the client's acid-base balance?

Bronchoscopy

Pulmonary function tests

Pulse oximetry

Arterial blood gases

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Rationale:
A. Bronchoscopy allows for direct visualization of the airways and may be used for sampling or clearing secretions but does not assess acid-base balance.
B. Pulmonary function tests evaluate lung volume and airflow but are not specific to acid-base status.
C. Pulse oximetry measures oxygen saturation, which reflects oxygenation but not CO₂ levels or pH status.
D. Arterial blood gases (ABGs) are the most accurate test for evaluating acid-base balance, as they provide values for pH, PaCO₂, HCO₃⁻, and PaO₂ — essential indicators in COPD management.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Metabolic alkalosis is related to an excess of bicarbonate or loss of acid, not CO₂ retention.
B. Metabolic acidosis is caused by the accumulation of acids (like in renal failure or DKA), not respiratory dysfunction.
C. Respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs fail to excrete enough CO₂, leading to CO₂ retention and a decrease in blood pH. This is commonly seen in conditions like COPD, respiratory depression, or airway obstruction.
D. Respiratory alkalosis results from excessive elimination of CO₂, such as in hyperventilation, which is the opposite of what is described.

A. normal ABG B. respiratory acidosis C. metabolic alkalosis D. respiratory alkalosis

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Rationale:

A. pH 7.41: Normal range is 7.35–7.45. PaCO₂ 45 mm Hg: Normal range is 35–45 mm Hg. HCO₃⁻ 26 mEq/L: Normal range is 22–26 mEq/L. PaO₂ 84 mm Hg: Normal range is 80–100 mm Hg. SaO₂ 97%: Normal range is 95–100%. All values are within normal limits, indicating a balanced acid-base and oxygenation status.

B. pH 7.41: Normal range is 7.35–7.45. PaCO₂ 45 mm Hg: Normal range is 35–45 mm Hg. HCO₃⁻ 26 mEq/L: Normal range is 22–26 mEq/L. PaO₂ 84 mm Hg: Normal range is 80–100 mm Hg. SaO₂ 97%: Normal range is 95–100%. All values are within normal limits, indicating a balanced acid-base and oxygenation status.

C. pH 7.41: Normal range is 7.35–7.45. PaCO₂ 45 mm Hg: Normal range is 35–45 mm Hg. HCO₃⁻ 26 mEq/L: Normal range is 22–26 mEq/L. PaO₂ 84 mm Hg: Normal range is 80–100 mm Hg. SaO₂ 97%: Normal range is 95–100%. All values are within normal limits, indicating a balanced acid-base and oxygenation status.

D. pH 7.41: Normal range is 7.35–7.45. PaCO₂ 45 mm Hg: Normal range is 35–45 mm Hg. HCO₃⁻ 26 mEq/L: Normal range is 22–26 mEq/L. PaO₂ 84 mm Hg: Normal range is 80–100 mm Hg. SaO₂ 97%: Normal range is 95–100%. All values are within normal limits, indicating a balanced acid-base and oxygenation status.

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A client has been admitted with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Diagnostic tests have been ordered. Which of the tests will provide the most accurate indicator of the client's acid-base balance?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The failure of the lungs to adequately eliminate CO2 results in?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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