A nurse admits an older adult to the ED and notes that the client is cyanotic and has a respiratory rate of 6 breaths/min. Which acid-base imbalance should the nurse associate with this finding?

respiratory acidosis

metabolic acidosis

respiratory alkalosis

metabolic alkalosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Rationale:
A. Respiratory acidosis results from hypoventilation (respiratory rate of 6 breaths/min), leading to CO₂ retention and decreased blood pH. Cyanosis also indicates poor oxygenation, supporting this diagnosis.
B. Metabolic acidosis typically results from renal failure, diarrhea, or diabetic ketoacidosis, not directly from low respiratory rate.
C. Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, not hypoventilation.
D. Metabolic alkalosis is usually caused by vomiting or diuretic use and is not associated with decreased respiratory rate or cyanosis.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale:

A. Circumoral numbness and tingling are typically associated with respiratory alkalosis, not acidosis.
B. Muscle flaccidity is more indicative of electrolyte imbalances or late-stage neurologic decline, but not a key early sign of respiratory acidosis.
C. Cool, clammy skin may occur with shock or hypoperfusion, but is not a hallmark sign of respiratory acidosis.
D. Decreased level of consciousness is a key manifestation of acute respiratory acidosis, as rising CO₂ levels depress the central nervous system, leading to confusion, lethargy, and eventually coma if untreated.

A. Bronchoscopy B. Pulmonary function tests C. Pulse oximetry D. Arterial blood gases

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Bronchoscopy allows for direct visualization of the airways and may be used for sampling or clearing secretions but does not assess acid-base balance.
B. Pulmonary function tests evaluate lung volume and airflow but are not specific to acid-base status.
C. Pulse oximetry measures oxygen saturation, which reflects oxygenation but not CO₂ levels or pH status.
D. Arterial blood gases (ABGs) are the most accurate test for evaluating acid-base balance, as they provide values for pH, PaCO₂, HCO₃⁻, and PaO₂ — essential indicators in COPD management.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse admits an older adult to the ED and notes that the client is cyanotic and has a respiratory rate of 6 breaths/min. Which acid-base imbalance should the nurse associate with this finding?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has pneumonia and is experiencing acute respiratory acidosis. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect to find?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client has been admitted with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Diagnostic tests have been ordered. Which of the tests will provide the most accurate indicator of the client's acid-base balance?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse in an urgent care clinic is caring for a client who reports muscle weakness after taking several over-the-counter diet pills. Which of the following laboratory results should be the nurse's priority?

The nurse is caring for a client experiencing respiratory alkalosis. Which of these conditions is a causative agent?

Interpret the following ABG: pH 7.49, pCo2 30 mmHg, HCO3 23 Meq/L. PaO2 96 mmHg. SaO2 98%

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who takes furosemide and has a serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. Which of the following foods should the nurse instruct the client to include in his daily diet?

The regulatory system of acid-base balance takes the longest time to respond, and regulates the pH of extracellular fluid (ECF) by eliminating hydrogen ions or bicarbonate in body fluids?

Use Case Study to answer the following questions. Exhibits Which nursing intervention is most appropriate when administering IV potassium chloride?

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has acute gastroenteritis. Which of the following data collection findings should the nurse identify as the priority?

A nurse in a provider's office is collecting data from a client who takes furosemide daily for heart failure. Which of the following findings is a manifestation of hypokalemia?