A client's arterial blood gas (ABG) results show a pH of 7.30, PaCO2 of 40 mmHg, HCO3- of 20 mEq/L. These findings indicate which of the following conditions?
Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis, uncompensated
Metabolic alkalosis, uncompensated
The Correct Answer is C
A. Respiratory acidosis: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a high PaCO2 level due to hypoventilation or impaired lung function, which is not reflected in this ABG result. The pH of 7.30 indicates acidosis, but the normal PaCO2 of 40 mmHg suggests it is not respiratory in nature.
B. Respiratory alkalosis: Respiratory alkalosis involves a decrease in PaCO2, which is not present here. The PaCO2 of 40 mmHg is within normal range, ruling out this possibility.
C. Metabolic acidosis, uncompensated: The low HCO3- of 20 mEq/L and the pH of 7.30 indicate metabolic acidosis. Since there is no compensation by the lungs (i.e., PaCO2 is not lowered), this is considered uncompensated metabolic acidosis.
D. Metabolic alkalosis, uncompensated: Metabolic alkalosis would involve an elevated HCO3- level and a higher pH, which is not seen in this case. The HCO3- is low, supporting metabolic acidosis, not alkalosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Although clients with increased intracranial pressure may be at risk for DVT, this is not the primary concern in the first 24-48 hours. Early enteral nutrition helps prevent gastrointestinal complications, such as bacterial translocation, which can be more immediate and serious.
B. Myocardial infarction: Myocardial infarction is unrelated to the timing of enteral nutrition in clients with increased intracranial pressure. The priority here is to address risks related to the gut and the immune system.
C. Pulmonary embolus: A pulmonary embolus is a serious condition, but is not the most direct consequence of delayed enteral nutrition. While immobility and other factors might increase the risk of embolism, bacterial translocation is the immediate concern.
D. Bacterial translocation: Early enteral nutrition is crucial for maintaining gut integrity and preventing bacterial translocation, which occurs when bacteria from the gut leak into the bloodstream. This can lead to systemic infections and sepsis, which are life-threatening complications in critically ill clients.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Pancreatic cancer doesn't usually present as an adenocarcinoma.": Pancreatic cancer most commonly arises from the exocrine glands and is typically classified as an adenocarcinoma. It is the most frequent histological type found in pancreatic malignancies.
B. "Colorectal adenocarcinomas tend to have high treatment response rates.": Treatment response in colorectal adenocarcinoma depends heavily on the stage at diagnosis. While early-stage tumors may respond well, advanced stages often have lower responsiveness and poorer outcomes.
C. "Many brain tumors are adenocarcinomas.": Primary brain tumors are typically glial in origin, such as astrocytomas or glioblastomas. Adenocarcinomas rarely originate in the brain and are more often found in epithelial tissues like the lungs, colon, or prostate.
D. "Most prostate cancers are slow-growing adenocarcinomas.": Prostate cancer most often originates from glandular tissue and is classified as an adenocarcinoma. These tumors commonly progress slowly, especially in older adults, and may be monitored for years without requiring aggressive treatment.
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