A client who is found unresponsive has arterial blood gases drawn, and the results indicate the following:
- pH is 7.12 (normal range: 7.35-7.45)
- PaCO2 is 90 mm Hg (normal range: 35-45)
- HCO3- is 22 mEq/L (normal range: 22-26)
The nurse interprets the results as indicating which condition?
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis
Metabolic acidosis
The Correct Answer is C
A. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and elevated bicarbonate levels, which is not present in these results.
B. Respiratory alkalosis would present with an increased pH and decreased PaCO2, which does not apply here.
C. The low pH (7.12) indicates acidemia, and the elevated PaCO2 (90 mm Hg) suggests hypoventilation and respiratory acidosis due to CO2 retention. The bicarbonate level is within normal limits, further supporting respiratory acidosis.
D. Metabolic acidosis would be indicated by a low pH and low bicarbonate levels; however, the bicarbonate is normal in this case, ruling out metabolic acidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Cold intolerance: Patients with hypothyroidism often have difficulty regulating body temperature, leading to a heightened sensitivity to cold.
B. Depression: Hypothyroidism can affect mood and cognitive function, often leading to symptoms of depression.
C. Weakness and fatigue: Low thyroid hormone levels can cause significant fatigue and muscle weakness due to a slower metabolism.
D. Constipation: A slowed metabolism can also affect gastrointestinal motility, resulting in constipation.
E. Mental alertness: This is typically not expected in hypothyroid patients. In fact, they may experience cognitive impairments, memory issues, or slowed thinking rather than mental alertness.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A. PICC line insertion site: The client reports pain, redness, and edema at the PICC line insertion site, which are signs of a possible infection. This finding requires immediate follow-up to prevent complications like bloodstream infection or sepsis.
B. Breath sounds: The client’s breath sounds are clear and unchanged from Day 1, so this finding does not require immediate follow-up.
C. Temperature: The client's temperature has risen to 39 °C (102.2 °F) from 37.2 °C (99 °F) on Day 1. Such a significant increase in temperature indicates a possible infection and needs prompt intervention.
D. Heart rate: The client’s heart rate has increased to 108/min from 66/min, suggesting tachycardia. This could be a response to infection, potentially linked to sepsis, and warrants immediate follow-up.
E. Albumin level: The albumin level has increased to within the normal range, which is a positive trend and does not require urgent intervention.
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