A nurse is admitting a client who has gastroenteritis and is reporting numbness and tingling of the toes and fingers. The nurse should recognize the client is experiencing which of the following acid-base imbalances?

Metabolic acidosis

Respiratory alkalosis

Metabolic alkalosis

Respiratory acidosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in bicarbonate or an increase in acids, which can be caused by conditions like kidney failure or diabetic ketoacidosis, but it is not typically associated with numbness and tingling.
B.   Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and a decreased PaCO2 (<35 mm Hg). It typically results from hyperventilation, which leads to excessive elimination of CO2 and subsequent alkalosis. This condition is less likely to occur in gastroenteritis unless there are other complicating factors such as anxiety or pain causing increased respiratory rate.
C.   In the context of gastroenteritis, where there may be a loss of stomach acids through vomiting or diarrhea, the most likely acid-base imbalance would be metabolic alkalosis.
D.   Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH and an elevated PaCO2 (>45 mm Hg). It results from hypoventilation, leading to retention of CO2 and subsequent acidosis. Respiratory acidosis would not typically present with numbness and tingling in the extremities in the context of gastroenteritis.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and a decreased bicarbonate (HCO3) level (<22 mEq/L). The ABG results show a pH of 7.30 and HCO3 of 18 mEq/L, which are consistent with metabolic acidosis. The low HCO3 indicates that there is an accumulation of acids or loss of bicarbonate in the blood.
B. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and an elevated bicarbonate level (>26 mEq/L). The ABG results show a low pH and low HCO3, which do not support metabolic alkalosis.
C. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and a low PaCO2 (<35 mm Hg). The pH in this scenario is low (7.30), which does not align with respiratory alkalosis.
D. Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and an elevated PaCO2 (>45 mm Hg). While the pH is low, indicating acidosis, the PaCO2 in this case is low (28 mm Hg), which does not support respiratory acidosis.

A. "I will be drinking a lot of fluid after the test is over." B. "I will be anesthetized so that I lie perfectly still during the procedure." C. "I will make sure I let them know I do not have a shellfish ally." D. "will follow the food and drink restrictions as directed before the test is scheduled."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. This statement suggests that the client may not understand the purpose or procedure of the CT scan. CT scans typically do not require the client to drink excessive fluids afterward. However, hydration might be encouraged if contrast dye was used to help eliminate it from the body. Education is needed to clarify post-procedure instructions.
B. This statement indicates a misconception about the procedure. CT scans do not usually require anesthesia unless it's a complex situation, such as a young child or someone with severe claustrophobia. It's essential to educate the client about what to expect during the CT scan to reduce anxiety and ensure cooperation during the procedure.
C. This statement shows awareness of potential allergies to contrast dye, which often contains iodine. It indicates that the client understands the importance of disclosing allergies to the healthcare team before the procedure. While this is generally a positive sign of awareness, further education may still be needed to ensure complete understanding of allergy management.
D. This statement demonstrates understanding of pre-procedure instructions, which often include fasting or specific dietary restrictions. It suggests that the client understands the importance of these restrictions to ensure accurate test results and safety during the CT scan.

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A nurse is admitting a client who has gastroenteritis and is reporting numbness and tingling of the toes and fingers. The nurse should recognize the client is experiencing which of the following acid-base imbalances?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has the following arterial blood gas results: HCO3 18 mEq, PaCO2 28 mm Hg and pH 7.30. The nurse recognizes the client is experiencing which of the following acid base imbalances?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse recognizes the need for client education when the client scheduled for a computed tomography (CT) states:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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