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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: The statement about the medication taking a few weeks to work fully is accurate and does not require follow-up.
Choice B reason: The statement that levothyroxine replaces the hormone the body used to produce is correct and reflects an understanding of the therapy.
Choice C reason: Acknowledging the possibility of lifelong medication is appropriate for levothyroxine therapy in the case of hypothyroidism.
Choice D reason: Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach, typically 30 minutes to an hour before breakfast, to ensure proper absorption. This statement indicates a misunderstanding that requires nurse follow-up.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: In sepsis, inflammatory mediators cause vasodilation and increased capillary permeability, leading to fluid leaking out of the vascular space, resulting in hypotension.
Choice B reason: Platelet aggregation and thrombus formation can occur in sepsis but are more related to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) rather than directly causing hypotension.
Choice C reason: Decreased blood glucose and oliguria can be consequences of sepsis but are not the primary pathophysiological processes responsible for hypotension.
Choice D reason: Hypoxemia and anaerobic metabolism may result from the effects of sepsis on the body, including hypotension, but they are not the direct cause of hypotension.
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