A client in the beginning stages of an asthma attack has arterial blood gases that reveal the following results: pH 7.51, PaCO2 28 mmHg, PaO2 75 mmHg, O2 saturation 92%, HCO3 24 mEq/L. The nurse interprets this blood gas result as:

Metabolic alkalosis.

Metabolic acidosis.

Respiratory alkalosis.

Respiratory acidosis.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an elevated pH and an increased bicarbonate (HCO3) level. In this case, the pH is elevated (7.51), but the bicarbonate level is within the normal range (24 mEq/L), indicating that the alkalosis is not metabolic in origin.

Choice B reason: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decreased pH and a decreased bicarbonate (HCO3) level. In this scenario, the pH is elevated, not decreased, and the bicarbonate level is normal, ruling out metabolic acidosis.

Choice C reason: Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by an elevated pH and a decreased partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2). The given values show a pH of 7.51 (elevated) and a PaCO2 of 28 mmHg (decreased), which are indicative of respiratory alkalosis. This condition often occurs in the early stages of an asthma attack due to hyperventilation, which causes excessive exhalation of CO2.

Choice D reason: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a decreased pH and an increased PaCO2. In this case, the pH is elevated, and the PaCO2 is decreased, which is the opposite of what is seen in respiratory acidosis.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Hemoglobin, 8.0 g/dL: Hemoglobin is a critical component of red blood cells, responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Normal hemoglobin levels typically range from 13.8 to 17.2 g/dL for men and 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL for women1. A level of 8.0 g/dL is significantly below the normal range, indicating anemia. Severe anemia can increase the risk of perioperative complications, including poor wound healing, increased risk of infection, and cardiovascular stress. Therefore, this result should be reported to the surgeon as it may necessitate postponing the surgery until the anemia is addressed.

Choice B reason:

Serum creatinine, 0.8 mg/dL: Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscles and filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. Normal serum creatinine levels range from 0.74 to 1.35 mg/dL for men and 0.59 to 1.04 mg/dL for women. A level of 0.8 mg/dL falls within the normal range, indicating normal kidney function. Therefore, this result would not typically cause surgery to be postponed.

Choice C reason:

Platelets, 210,000/mm³: Platelets are essential for blood clotting. Normal platelet counts range from 150,000 to 400,000/mm³. A count of 210,000/mm³ is within the normal range, indicating adequate clotting ability. Thus, this result would not be a reason to postpone surgery.

Choice D reason:

Sodium, 144 mEq/L: Sodium is an essential electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions. Normal sodium levels range from 135 to 145 mEq/L. A level of 144 mEq/L is within the normal range, indicating normal electrolyte balance. Therefore, this result would not typically cause surgery to be postponed.

Correct Answer is ["66.7"]

Explanation

Step 1: Determine the total volume to be administered. Total volume = 1600 mL

Step 2: Determine the total time in hours. Total time = 24 hours

Step 3: Calculate the rate in mL/hr. Rate = Total volume ÷ Total time Rate = 1600 mL ÷ 24 hours Rate = 66.6667 mL/hr

Step 4: Round to the nearest tenth. Rounded rate = 66.7 mL/hr

The nurse should set the IV pump to deliver 66.7 mL/hr.

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A client in the beginning stages of an asthma attack has arterial blood gases that reveal the following results: pH 7.51, PaCO2 28 mmHg, PaO2 75 mmHg, O2 saturation 92%, HCO3 24 mEq/L. The nurse interprets this blood gas result as:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which laboratory result of a preoperative client should the nurse report to the surgeon’s office, knowing that it could cause surgery to be postponed?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse must administer 1600 mL of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) over 24 hours. The nurse should set the IV pump to deliver how many mL/hr? (Round to the nearest tenth, do not use trailing zeros, use a leading zero if it applies)

Correct Answer is ["66.7"]

Explanation

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