A nurse is assessing a patient on the medical floor who is being treated for pneumonia and reports sudden shortness of breath. An arterial blood gas (ABG) is drawn. The ABG has the following values: pH 7.21, PaCO2 64 mm Hg, HCO3 24 mm Hg. Which condition does the ABG reflect?

Respiratory acidosis

Metabolic alkalosis

Respiratory alkalosis

Metabolic acidosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Respiratory acidosis is indicated by a low pH (< 7.35) and elevated PaCO₂ (> 45 mm Hg), which fits this ABG profile: pH 7.21 (acidic), PaCO₂ 64 mm Hg (elevated), HCO₃ normal — confirming an uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
B. Metabolic alkalosis would present with a high pH and elevated HCO₃, which is not the case here.
C. Respiratory alkalosis involves high pH and low PaCO₂, the opposite of this patient's values.
D. Metabolic acidosis presents with low pH and low HCO₃, but the bicarbonate here is normal (24 mm Hg), ruling this out.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While obesity and a high-fat diet increase risks for gallstones, they are less directly associated with chronic pancreatitis.
B. Weekend binge drinking can cause acute pancreatitis but is less likely to lead to chronic pancreatitis compared to sustained alcohol abuse.
C. Chronic alcoholism is the leading cause of chronic pancreatitis due to repeated pancreatic inflammation and damage.
D. Smoking is a risk factor that can worsen pancreatitis but alone is less significant than chronic alcohol use.

A. IV administration of 50% dextrose in water B. Subcutaneous administration of 10 units of Humalog C. Subcutaneous administration of 12 to 15 units of regular insulin D. IV bolus of 5% dextrose in 0.45% NaCl

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. IV administration of 50% dextrose (D50W) is the appropriate emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia in an unconscious patient. It rapidly raises blood glucose levels and is the standard of care in emergency situations.
B. Administering insulin (Humalog) would worsen hypoglycemia and is contraindicated.
C. Giving additional insulin in any form would further lower the already critically low blood glucose.
D. 5% dextrose in 0.45% NaCl is used for maintenance fluid therapy, not for treating acute, severe hypoglycemia.

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A nurse is assessing a patient on the medical floor who is being treated for pneumonia and reports sudden shortness of breath. An arterial blood gas (ABG) is drawn. The ABG has the following values: pH 7.21, PaCO2 64 mm Hg, HCO3 24 mm Hg. Which condition does the ABG reflect?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse who provides care in a community clinic assesses a wide range of individuals. The nurse should identify which client as having the highest risk for chronic pancreatitis?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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