A nurse is analyzing the arterial blood gas (ABG) results of a patient.
The patient’s ABGs are: pH:7.6, PaCO2:40 mm Hg, HCO3:32 mEq/L. Which of the following acid-base conditions should the nurse identify the patient is experiencing?
Respiratory acidosis.
Respiratory alkalosis.
Metabolic acidosis.
Metabolic alkalosis.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (less than 7.35), a high PaCO2 (greater than 45 mm Hg), and a normal or high HCO3 (22-26 mEq/L). It occurs when there is a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood due to impaired ventilation.
The patient's ABGs do not align with respiratory acidosis because the pH is elevated (7.6), and the PaCO2 is within the normal range (40 mm Hg).
Choice B rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (greater than 7.45), a low PaCO2 (less than 35 mm Hg), and a normal or low HCO3 (22-26 mEq/L). It occurs when there is excessive loss of carbon dioxide through hyperventilation.
The patient's ABGs do not align with respiratory alkalosis because the HCO3 is elevated (32 mEq/L), which is not typical for this condition.
Choice C rationale:
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (less than 7.35), a normal or low PaCO2 (less than 40 mm Hg), and a low HCO3 (less than 22 mEq/L). It occurs when there is an excess of acid in the body or a loss of bicarbonate.
The patient's ABGs do not align with metabolic acidosis because the pH is elevated (7.6), and the HCO3 is elevated (32 mEq/L).
Choice D rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (greater than 7.45), a normal or high PaCO2 (40-45 mm Hg), and an elevated HCO3 (greater than 26 mEq/L). It occurs when there is an excess of bicarbonate in the body or a loss of acid.
The patient's ABGs align with metabolic alkalosis because of the high pH (7.6), normal PaCO2 (40 mm Hg), and elevated HCO3 (32 mEq/L).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["50"]
Explanation
Here are the steps to calculate the gtt/min for the manual IV infusion:
Step 1: Convert the infusion time from hours to minutes. 8 hours x 60 minutes/hour = 480 minutes
Step 2: Divide the total volume of fluid (in mL) by the infusion time in minutes to get the mL/min rate. 400 mL ÷ 480 minutes = 0.8333 mL/min
Step 3: Multiply the mL/min rate by the drop factor (gtt/mL) to get the gtt/min rate. 0.8333 mL/min x 60 gtt/mL = 50 gtt/min
Therefore, the nurse should set the manual IV infusion to deliver 50 gtt/min.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The spinal cord plays a crucial role in pain transmission, but it does not initiate the afferent pathways. It receives pain signals from nociceptors and relays them to the brain for processing.
The spinal cord is also involved in pain modulation, as it can dampen or amplify pain signals depending on various factors. However, it is not the primary trigger for pain sensation. That role belongs to nociceptors.
Choice B rationale:
Nociceptors are specialized sensory receptors that detect potentially damaging stimuli, such as intense heat, pressure, or chemical irritants.
They are located throughout the body, including the skin, muscles, joints, and internal organs.
When nociceptors are activated, they generate electrical signals that travel along nerve fibers to the spinal cord and brain. This process initiates the afferent pathways, which ultimately lead to the conscious perception of pain.
Nociceptors are essential for protecting the body from harm. They alert us to potential dangers and trigger responses that help us avoid injury or further damage.
Choice C rationale:
Endorphins are natural pain-relieving substances produced by the body. They act on receptors in the brain and spinal cord to reduce pain perception.
However, endorphins do not trigger the afferent pathways. They work by modulating pain signals that have already been initiated by nociceptors.
Choice D rationale:
The cortex is the outer layer of the brain that is responsible for higher-level functions, such as thinking, feeling, and decision- making.
It plays a role in the conscious experience of pain, but it does not trigger the afferent pathways.
The cortex receives pain signals from the spinal cord and processes them, leading to the awareness of pain.
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