A nurse is caring for a client diagnosis with uncompensated metabolic alkalosis secondary to prolonged vomiting. When reviewing this client's laboratory data, which value should the nurse anticipate?
decreased PaCO2
Increased PaCO2
Increased HCO3
decreased pH
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Decreased PaCO₂ occurs in respiratory alkalosis, not metabolic alkalosis.
B. Increased PaCO₂ may occur as compensation, but in uncompensated metabolic alkalosis, this has not yet occurred.
C. In metabolic alkalosis, especially from vomiting (loss of gastric acid), there is a primary increase in bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻).
D. Decreased pH is associated with acidosis, not alkalosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["1637"]
Explanation
Rationale:
Military time, also known as the 24-hour clock, is a method of telling time where the hours of the day run from 00:00 to 23:59, rather than resetting at noon and midnight like in standard 12-hour time (AM/PM). 4:37 PM in military time is 1637.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Widening of the QRS complex is associated with severe hyperkalemia, not with improvement.
B. Reduction in P wave duration is not a typical indicator of potassium normalization.
C. Restoration of QRS amplitude is not a reliable or specific indicator of potassium correction.
D. A tall, peaked T wave is a classic ECG sign of hyperkalemia. A reduction in T wave amplitude suggests that serum potassium levels are returning to normal, indicating the effectiveness of polystyrene sulfonate, which works to lower potassium levels.
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