A client with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus develops metabolic acidosis. Which assessment finding related to the imbalance indicates that the client's compensatory mechanisms are working?

Vomiting

Tachycardia

Deep rapid breathing

Watery diarrhea

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Vomiting: Vomiting is a common symptom associated with metabolic acidosis but is not a compensatory mechanism. It can lead to further electrolyte imbalances and dehydration.
B. Tachycardia: Tachycardia can occur as a response to acidosis but is not a direct compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis.
C. Deep rapid breathing: This is the correct choice. Deep rapid breathing, or Kussmaul respirations, is a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis. It helps to expel carbon dioxide, thereby reducing acidity in the blood.
D. Watery diarrhea: Diarrhea can contribute to electrolyte imbalances and may exacerbate acidosis but is not a compensatory response by the body.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Kidney conservation of bicarbonate and excretion of hydrogen ions: This option is not correct for metabolic alkalosis. In metabolic alkalosis, the kidneys would typically excrete bicarbonate rather than conserve it.
B. Deep, rapid respirations to increase CO2 excretion: This is incorrect because deep, rapid respirations are more associated with compensating for metabolic acidosis by increasing CO2 excretion. In metabolic alkalosis, the body attempts to retain CO2.
C. Respiratory hypoventilation to retain CO2 and kidney excretion of bicarbonate: This is the correct choice. In metabolic alkalosis, the body compensates by reducing respiration rate (hypoventilation) to retain CO2, which helps to counteract the elevated pH. Additionally, the kidneys may excrete bicarbonate to balance the pH.
D. Shifting of bicarbonate into cells in exchange for chloride: This mechanism is more related to respiratory alkalosis rather than metabolic alkalosis. In metabolic alkalosis, the primary compensatory mechanisms involve changes in respiratory rate and renal bicarbonate excretion.

A. Administer 10% sodium chloride via rapid infusion B. Administer intranasal antidiuretic hormone C. Encourage oral fluid intake D. Place the client on seizure precautions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Administer 10% sodium chloride via rapid infusion: Rapid infusion of high concentrations of sodium chloride can be dangerous and is not the standard treatment for severe hyponatremia.
B. Administer intranasal antidiuretic hormone: This would not be appropriate for correcting severe hyponatremia and could potentially worsen the condition.
C. Encourage oral fluid intake: For severe hyponatremia, oral fluid intake might not be sufficient and could exacerbate the condition if there is fluid overload.
D. Place the client on seizure precautions: This is the correct choice. Severe hyponatremia (sodium < 120 mEq/L) can lead to neurological symptoms and seizures, so implementing seizure precautions is crucial for safety.

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A client with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus develops metabolic acidosis. Which assessment finding related to the imbalance indicates that the client's compensatory mechanisms are working?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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