A nurse is collecting data from a client with a suspected diagnosis of gastric ulcer. The client tells the nurse that she takes TUMS frequently throughout the day to control her symptoms. The nurse continues to collect data from the client, understanding that the client is at risk for which acid-base imbalance?
metabolic alkalosis
metabolic acidosis
respiratory acidosis
respiratory alkalosis
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. TUMS (calcium carbonate) is an alkaline antacid. Excessive use can lead to increased bicarbonate levels in the blood, causing metabolic alkalosis, especially when used to neutralize gastric acid frequently.
B. Metabolic acidosis would be more likely with diarrhea, renal failure, or overuse of acidic substances, not antacids.
C. Respiratory acidosis is caused by hypoventilation and CO₂ retention, such as in chronic lung disease, not by taking antacids.
D. Respiratory alkalosis is associated with hyperventilation, anxiety, or high altitude—not relevant to antacid use.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. pH indicates the overall acid-base status (acidosis or alkalosis) and is critical in determining the presence of an imbalance.
B. PaCO₂ reflects the respiratory component of acid-base balance and helps assess respiratory acidosis or alkalosis.
C. HCO₃ (bicarbonate) reflects the metabolic component of acid-base balance and is essential for evaluating metabolic acidosis or alkalosis.
D. PaO₂ indicates the oxygenation status of the client, which is important in assessing respiratory function, though not a direct marker of acid-base imbalance.
E. Blood glucose is not part of arterial blood gas analysis and is unrelated to acid-base balance interpretation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Chvostek’s sign is a clinical indicator of hypocalcemia. It is elicited by tapping the facial nerve in front of the ear, which causes twitching of the facial muscles in clients with low calcium levels due to increased neuromuscular excitability.
B. Brudzinski’s sign indicates meningeal irritation, such as in meningitis, not hypocalcemia.
C. Cullen’s sign is bruising around the umbilicus, associated with intra-abdominal bleeding, not electrolyte imbalance.
D. Kernig’s sign is another sign of meningeal irritation and is unrelated to calcium levels.
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