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: Levodopa/carbidopa therapy is often recommended to be taken with food to prevent nausea, which is a common side effect. Therefore, advising not to take it with food is incorrect.
Choice B reason: While levodopa/carbidopa can cause insomnia, it is not the most critical piece of information for discharge teaching. Managing insomnia can be part of ongoing treatment discussions.
Choice C reason: Checking for signs of infection is a general safety measure but is not specific to levodopa/carbidopa therapy. It is important for all medications and health conditions.
Choice D reason: It is crucial to take levodopa/carbidopa at the same time each day to maintain steady levels of the medication in the body, which helps to control the symptoms of Parkinson's disease effectively. Consistency in medication timing is key to managing the disease's symptoms.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Assessing for hematuria is important but not the priority action. Hematuria can be a symptom of various conditions and does not directly address the abnormal laboratory results.
Choice B reason: Monitoring temperature is a routine action in sepsis management but does not address the immediate concern of the abnormal laboratory results, specifically the elevated aPTT and low platelet count.
Choice C reason: Evaluating skin turgor is a method to assess dehydration, which is not the immediate concern indicated by the laboratory results.
Choice D reason: The elevated aPTT and low platelet count suggest a potential coagulopathy, which could be a sign of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a complication of sepsis. Administering heparin may be part of the treatment for DIC to prevent further clotting and is a priority action in this context.
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