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?

Calcium 8.2 mg/dL

Phosphorous 5.1 mEq/L

Potassium 2.4 mEq/L

Sodium 145 mEq/L

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Rationale:
A. Calcium of 8.2 mg/dL is slightly low but less immediately life-threatening.
B. Phosphorus 5.1 mEq/L is mildly elevated but usually less critical.
C. Potassium 2.4 mEq/L is significantly low (normal 3.5–5.0 mEq/L) and can cause muscle weakness, cardiac dysrhythmias, and is a medical emergency.
D. Sodium 145 mEq/L is within normal limits.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Kussmaul's respirations are deep, rapid breathing that occurs as a respiratory compensation to blow off CO₂ and raise pH during metabolic acidosis.
B. Decreased blood pressure is a clinical sign but not a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis.
C. Reduced abdominal distention is unrelated to acid-base compensation.
D. Increased urinary output may occur but is not the primary compensatory response for metabolic acidosis.

A. Metabolic alkalosis B. Respiratory acidosis C. Metabolic acidosis D. Respiratory alkalosis

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Rationale:
A. pH: 7.48 is elevated (normal: 7.35–7.45). This indicates alkalosis. pCO₂: 42 mm Hg is normal (normal: 35–45 mm Hg). HCO₃⁻: 32 mEq/L is elevated (normal: 22–26 mEq/L) hence pointing towards a primary metabolic cause. Since the pH is high and the HCO₃⁻ is also high, with a normal pCO₂, this is clearly a case of metabolic alkalosis.

B. Respiratory acidosis would have low pH and high pCO₂.
C. Metabolic acidosis would have low pH and low HCO₃⁻.
D. Respiratory alkalosis would have high pH and low pCO.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse can record that the compensatory mechanism for the correction of metabolic acidosis is in effect when the nurse observes?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Arterial blood gas levels are obtained for the client. If the client's results are pH 7.48, pCo2 42mmHg, and HCO3 32 mEq/L, the client is exhibiting which one of the following acid-base imbalances?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Which laboratory data and clinical manifestations cause you to suspect your client may be experiencing acidosis?

A patient is experiencing respiratory acidosis. Which organ system is responsible for compensation in this patient?

A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has hypocalcemia. For which of the following signs should the nurse monitor?

Interpret the ABG: pH 7.41, PaCO2 45mmHg. HCO3 26, PaO2 84 mmHg. SaO2 97%

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