A client's arterial blood gas (ABG) reads: pH 7.18, PaCO2 54 mm Hg, HCO3 26 mEq/L. What condition does the nurse recognize may contribute to the development of this result? Normal values: pH: 7.35-7.45, PaCO2: 35-45 mm Hg, HCO3: 22-26 mEq/L
Prolonged vomiting
COPD
Chronic renal failure
Anxiety and hyperventilation
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Prolonged vomiting typically leads to metabolic alkalosis due to the loss of gastric acid, which is not consistent with the ABG results showing acidosis.
Choice B reason: COPD can lead to respiratory acidosis, as indicated by the elevated PaCO2 and low pH in the ABG results, making it a likely contributor to these findings.
Choice C reason: Chronic renal failure can lead to metabolic acidosis, but the HCO3 level is within the normal range, which does not support this as the primary condition.
Choice D reason: Anxiety and hyperventilation usually result in respiratory alkalosis due to the excessive exhalation of CO2, which is the opposite of what the ABG results show.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: While assessing temperature is important for monitoring infection, it is not the immediate priority in the treatment of UTI and sepsis.
Choice B reason: Monitoring urine output is crucial for a UTI but does not address the systemic infection that sepsis represents.
Choice C reason: Administering antibiotics is the most critical intervention for a client with sepsis due to a UTI, as it directly addresses the underlying infection and can be life-saving.
Choice D reason: Evaluating the current CBC is important for understanding the client's baseline and response to infection but is secondary to the administration of antibiotics.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: The ABG results show an elevated pH and HCO3, which are indicative of metabolic alkalosis. The PaCO2 is within the normal range, suggesting that it is uncompensated.
Choice B reason: Respiratory acidosis would be indicated by an elevated PaCO2 and a decreased pH, which is not the case here.
Choice C reason: Metabolic acidosis would be indicated by a decreased pH and HCO3, which is not consistent with the given results.
Choice D reason: Respiratory alkalosis would be indicated by a decreased PaCO2 and an increased pH, which is not consistent with the given results.
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