A client presents to the Emergency department with a 4-day history of anorexia, abdominal pain and vomiting. An arterial blood gas (ABG) is drawn with these results pH 7.47(7.35-7.45), PaCO2 35mmHg (35-45mmHg), HCO3 31 mEq/L (22-26 mEq/L). How should the nurse interpret these results?

Uncompensated metabolic acidosis

Uncompensated respiratory acidosis

Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis

Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Uncompensated metabolic acidosis: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and a low bicarbonate (HCO3) level (<22 mEq/L). In this ABG, the pH is within the normal range, indicating alkalosis rather than acidosis. Therefore, this interpretation is incorrect.

b. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and an elevated PaCO2 (>45 mmHg). In this ABG, the pH is within the normal range, indicating alkalosis rather than acidosis. Therefore, this interpretation is incorrect.

c. Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and an elevated bicarbonate (HCO3) level (>26 mEq/L). In this ABG, the pH is elevated (7.47), and the bicarbonate level is also elevated (31 mEq/L), indicating metabolic alkalosis. Therefore, this interpretation is correct based on the ABG results.

d. Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis: Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and a low PaCO2 (<35 mmHg). In this ABG, the pH is elevated (7.47), but the PaCO2 is within the normal range (35 mmHg), indicating metabolic alkalosis rather than respiratory alkalosis. Therefore, this interpretation is incorrect.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

a. Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis: Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (above 7.45) and a low PaCO2 (below 35mmHg). In this case, the pH is below the normal range and the PaCO2 is elevated, which does not support the diagnosis of respiratory alkalosis.

b. Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and an elevated bicarbonate (HCO3) level. In this case, the pH is below the normal range and the HCO3 level is within the normal range, which does not support the diagnosis of metabolic alkalosis.

c. Uncompensated metabolic acidosis: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a low bicarbonate (HCO3) level. In this case, the pH is below the normal range, but the HCO3 level is within the normal range, which does not support the diagnosis of metabolic acidosis.

d. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis: The pH is below the normal range (7.35-7.45), indicating acidosis. The PaCO2 is elevated at 49mmHg (normal range: 35-45mmHg), indicating respiratory acidosis. The HCO3 is within the normal range at 26mEq/L (normal range: 22-26mEq/L), indicating that compensation has not occurred. Therefore, the ABG results suggest uncompensated respiratory acidosis.

A. Relieve anxiety B. Lower blood pressure C. Anticoagulation D. Control arrhythmia

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

a. Relieve anxiety: Hydralazine is not indicated for the relief of anxiety. It is primarily used as an antihypertensive medication to lower blood pressure.

b. Lower blood pressure: Hydralazine is a vasodilator medication that works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, resulting in lower blood pressure. This is the therapeutic effect of hydralazine, particularly in the context of acute heart failure where reducing afterload can help improve cardiac output.

c. Anticoagulation: Hydralazine does not possess anticoagulant properties. It primarily affects blood pressure by dilating blood vessels, but it does not have direct anticoagulant effects.

d. Control arrhythmia: Hydralazine is not typically used to control arrhythmias. Its primary role is in lowering blood pressure through vasodilation.

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A client presents to the Emergency department with a 4-day history of anorexia, abdominal pain and vomiting. An arterial blood gas (ABG) is drawn with these results pH 7.47(7.35-7.45), PaCO2 35mmHg (35-45mmHg), HCO3 31 mEq/L (22-26 mEq/L). How should the nurse interpret these results?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client is admitted to the hospital with an acid base imbalance. Arterial blood gas (ABG) results are: Ph 7.33 (7.35-7.45), PaCO2 49mmHg (35-45mmHg), HCO3 26mEq/L (22-26mEq/L). How should the nurse interpret these results?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is reviewing data of a client in acute heart failure who is receiving hydralazine IV push. Which is the therapeutic effect of this medication?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is assessing a client with acute heart failure. Which finding would the nurse anticipate?

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