A nurse is caring for a client with diabetic ketoacidosis. Which arterial blood gas result is most consistent with this condition?
pH 7.48, PaCO2 40 mmHg, HCO3- 24 mEq/L
pH 7.30, PaCO2 30 mmHg, HCO3- 18 mEq/L
pH 7.50, PaCO2 45 mmHg, HCO3- 30 mEq/L
pH 7.35, PaCO2 38 mmHg, HCO3- 22 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: pH 7.48, PaCO2 40 mmHg, HCO3- 24 mEq/L indicates alkalosis, not acidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) causes metabolic acidosis due to ketone accumulation, lowering pH and bicarbonate. Normal PaCO2 and HCO3- rule out DKA, as compensatory hyperventilation would lower PaCO2 in response to acidosis.
Choice B reason: pH 7.30, PaCO2 30 mmHg, HCO3- 18 mEq/L indicates metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation. In DKA, ketone production lowers pH and bicarbonate, while hyperventilation reduces PaCO2 to compensate. These values align with DKA’s acid-base imbalance, reflecting the body’s attempt to correct acidosis through increased respiration.
Choice C reason: pH 7.50, PaCO2 45 mmHg, HCO3- 30 mEq/L indicates metabolic alkalosis, not acidosis. DKA causes acidosis from ketone accumulation, not alkalosis. Elevated bicarbonate and normal PaCO2 suggest a different condition, like vomiting-induced alkalosis, making this inconsistent with the metabolic acidosis seen in DKA.
Choice D reason: pH 7.35, PaCO2 38 mmHg, HCO3- 22 mEq/L indicates normal acid-base balance. DKA results in metabolic acidosis with low pH and bicarbonate due to ketone production. Normal values do not reflect the acidotic state of DKA, where compensatory mechanisms would alter PaCO2 and HCO3- significantly.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Non-pharmacological options, like acupressure or aromatherapy, address nausea without medication risks. These interventions stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system or reduce gastric irritation, providing relief. Acting first with these methods is safe, effective, and aligns with holistic care, especially when the next antiemetic dose is not yet due.
Choice B reason: Notifying the provider after rounds delays intervention, as nausea requires prompt relief to prevent distress or vomiting. This approach does not address the client’s immediate need and may prolong discomfort. Non-pharmacological methods should be tried first, as they are within the nurse’s scope and can provide quicker relief.
Choice C reason: Discussing anesthesia’s role in nausea provides education but does not alleviate the client’s current symptoms. This cognitive approach addresses understanding, not immediate comfort. While education is valuable, the priority is relieving nausea, making non-pharmacological interventions a more appropriate first step in this scenario.
Choice D reason: Explaining that no other medications are ordered dismisses the client’s discomfort and does not provide relief. This approach fails to utilize the nurse’s scope to implement non-pharmacological interventions, which can effectively manage nausea. It may also reduce trust, as it does not address the client’s immediate needs.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Showing positions for holding a newborn addresses the psychomotor domain, teaching physical skills. The affective domain involves emotions and attitudes, not physical techniques. This action helps parents learn how to feed but does not explore their feelings or beliefs, which is the focus of affective learning.
Choice B reason: Explaining bottle-warming steps targets the cognitive domain, focusing on knowledge and procedure. It does not address emotions or attitudes, which are central to the affective domain. This action provides technical understanding but does not engage the parents’ feelings or values about newborn care.
Choice C reason: Having parents demonstrate diaper changing is a psychomotor activity, emphasizing skill acquisition. The affective domain involves feelings and attitudes, not physical tasks. While this builds confidence, it does not directly address emotional engagement or beliefs, which are necessary for affective learning in this context.
Choice D reason: Asking about breastfeeding views targets the affective domain by exploring parents’ emotions, beliefs, and attitudes. This encourages reflection on personal values, fostering emotional engagement with newborn care. Addressing these feelings helps build confidence and commitment, aligning with affective learning goals in nursing education.
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