A client is admitted for a diagnosis of sepsis secondary to a urinary tract infection. The client's repeat ABG is: pH 7.37, PC02 30, HCO3 of 18. Which acid-base imbalance is the client exhibiting?

normal ABG

respiratory acidosis

metabolic alkalosis

metabolic acidosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Rationale:
A. The pH is at the lower limit of normal but combined with low bicarbonate indicates imbalance, so not normal.
B. Respiratory acidosis would show increased PaCO₂, but here PaCO₂ is low.
C. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by elevated bicarbonate, which is not present.
D. Metabolic acidosis is indicated by low HCO₃ (18) and compensatory respiratory alkalosis (low PaCO₂ of 30) to maintain near-normal pH. This fits the ABG results.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

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

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Rationale:
A. A potassium level of 4.9 mEq/L is within the normal reference range (typically 3.5–5.0 mEq/L), indicating that the hyperkalemia has been successfully corrected.
B. A potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L is still above normal and does not suggest full effectiveness of the treatment.
C. A potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L remains critically high and indicates that the medication was not effective.
D. A potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L is still elevated and may continue to pose cardiac risks, suggesting partial or no effectiveness.

A. Metabolic acidosis B. Metabolic alkalosis C. Respiratory acidosis D. Respiratory alkalosis

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by Kussmaul respirations (deep and rapid breathing), but not typically lightheadedness or paresthesias.
B. Metabolic alkalosis often presents with hypoventilation as the body tries to retain CO₂, not hyperventilation.
C. Respiratory acidosis results from hypoventilation, leading to CO₂ retention, not the excessive breathing seen in this case.
D. Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, which leads to excessive loss of CO₂, resulting in symptoms such as lightheadedness, confusion, paresthesias, and blurred vision — all present in this client.

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

A client is admitted for a diagnosis of sepsis secondary to a urinary tract infection. The client's repeat ABG is: pH 7.37, PC02 30, HCO3 of 18. Which acid-base imbalance is the client exhibiting?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a client with a critically high potassium level. The client has received sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate). The nurse determines the medication's effectiveness if the client's repeat serum potassium level is:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is assisting with the admission of a client who is hyperventilating, reports lightheadedness and paresthesias, has blurred vision, and a new onset of confusion. The nurse should suspect that the client has developed which of the following imbalances?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for multiple clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which client should the nurse identify as being at greatest risk for respiratory alkalosis?

Use Case Study to answer the following questions. Exhibits Which of the following assessment findings is most concerning in a patient with hypokalemia?

A patient with congestive heart failure is prescribed a low-sodium diet. Which of the following foods, if chosen by the patient, indicates further teaching is necessary? (Select 3 options that apply)

The physician orders Amoxil 500mg PO BID. The Amoxil is, supplied 250mg/10mL. How many mL will the nurse administer?

A nurse admits an older adult to the ED and notes that the client is cyanotic and has a respiratory rate of 6 breaths/min. Which acid-base imbalance should the nurse associate with this finding?

During a change-of-shift report, a nurse sees that a client's IV bag of 0.9% sodium chloride has 900 mL of fluid left in it. The nurse makes rounds 30 min later and notes that the IV bag is empty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

In which patient will the nurse expect to see a positive Chvostek's sign?

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values for a client who takes spironolactone and notes that the client's serum potassium level is 6.8 mEq/L. The nurse notifies the provider and anticipates that the provider will provide which of the following instructions?