A client's calcium level is 9.5 mg/dL (Normal 9.0-10.5 mg/dL). A nurse would expect the client's phosphate level to be:
high
the same as the calcium level
low
normal
The Correct Answer is D
A. High: The relationship between calcium and phosphate is inverse, meaning when calcium levels rise, phosphate levels tend to decrease, and vice versa. Therefore, the phosphate level would not be expected to be high if the calcium level is within the normal range.
B. The same as the calcium level: While calcium and phosphate levels are related, they do not typically mirror each other directly. They have an inverse relationship, not a one-to-one correlation.
C. Low: Since calcium and phosphate have an inverse relationship, a normal calcium level generally indicates that phosphate levels are also normal, not necessarily low.
D. Normal: With a calcium level of 9.5 mg/dL, which is within the normal range, it is expected that the phosphate level would also be within the normal range, as long as there are no other underlying conditions affecting these levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Increased urinary output: Increased urinary output is not a primary compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis. The kidneys help compensate by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate, but this does not directly lead to increased urinary output.
B. Reduced abdominal distention: Abdominal distention is unrelated to the compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis. The primary compensatory mechanism is respiratory, not gastrointestinal.
C. Kussmaul respirations: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breaths that occur as a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis. The body increases the respiratory rate and depth to expel CO2, which is acidic and raise the blood pH, helping to correct the acid-base imbalance.
D. Decreased blood pressure: Decreased blood pressure can occur in various conditions, including metabolic acidosis, but it is not part of the compensatory mechanism. The body's response to metabolic acidosis is increasing ventilation to expel CO2 and correct the pH imbalance.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Respirations that cease for several seconds: This describes periodic breathing or Cheyne-Stokes respirations, which are not characteristic of Kussmaul’s respirations. Kussmaul’s respirations are marked by rapid and deep breathing, not cessation of breathing.
B. Respirations that are regular but abnormally slow: This describes bradypnea, which is not associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Kussmaul’s respirations are fast and deep, not slow.
C. Respirations that are labored, and decreased in depth and rate: Labored, shallow breathing is not characteristic of Kussmaul’s respirations. Instead, Kussmaul’s respirations are deep and rapid, a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis in DKA.
D. Respirations that are abnormally deep, regular, and increased in rate: Kussmaul’s respirations are deep, rapid, and regular, which are a physiological response to help decrease CO2 levels and correct the acidosis seen in DKA.
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