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 A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. pH 7.41: Normal range is 7.35–7.45. PaCO₂ 45 mm Hg: Normal range is 35–45 mm Hg. HCO₃⁻ 26 mEq/L: Normal range is 22–26 mEq/L. PaO₂ 84 mm Hg: Normal range is 80–100 mm Hg. SaO₂ 97%: Normal range is 95–100%. All values are within normal limits, indicating a balanced acid-base and oxygenation status.
B. pH 7.41: Normal range is 7.35–7.45. PaCO₂ 45 mm Hg: Normal range is 35–45 mm Hg. HCO₃⁻ 26 mEq/L: Normal range is 22–26 mEq/L. PaO₂ 84 mm Hg: Normal range is 80–100 mm Hg. SaO₂ 97%: Normal range is 95–100%. All values are within normal limits, indicating a balanced acid-base and oxygenation status.
C. pH 7.41: Normal range is 7.35–7.45. PaCO₂ 45 mm Hg: Normal range is 35–45 mm Hg. HCO₃⁻ 26 mEq/L: Normal range is 22–26 mEq/L. PaO₂ 84 mm Hg: Normal range is 80–100 mm Hg. SaO₂ 97%: Normal range is 95–100%. All values are within normal limits, indicating a balanced acid-base and oxygenation status.
D. pH 7.41: Normal range is 7.35–7.45. PaCO₂ 45 mm Hg: Normal range is 35–45 mm Hg. HCO₃⁻ 26 mEq/L: Normal range is 22–26 mEq/L. PaO₂ 84 mm Hg: Normal range is 80–100 mm Hg. SaO₂ 97%: Normal range is 95–100%. All values are within normal limits, indicating a balanced acid-base and oxygenation status.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Diarrhea is more common with low calcium (hypocalcemia), while hypercalcemia often causes constipation.
B. Hypercalcemia usually causes hypertension due to increased vascular tone, not hypotension.
C. Elevated calcium levels can depress neuromuscular activity, leading to decreased deep tendon reflexes.
D. Increased appetite is not associated with hypercalcemia; hypercalcemia may cause nausea and decreased appetite.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
