A nurse is providing care for a client with emphysema, The nurse reviews the results of the arterial blood gases and determines the client is experiencing respiratory acidosis. The nurse would expect to find which of the following on the laboratory results?
pH 7.35, pCO2 42 mmHg
pH 7.50, pCO2 28 mmHg
pH 7.40, pCO2 43mmHg
pH 7.25. pCO2 55 mmHg
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. A pH of 7.35 and pCO₂ of 42 mmHg are both within normal limits, indicating no acidosis.
B. A pH of 7.50 and pCO₂ of 28 mmHg indicate respiratory alkalosis, not acidosis.
C. A pH of 7.40 and pCO₂ of 43 mmHg are normal values, not consistent with acidosis.
D. A pH of 7.25 is acidic, and a pCO₂ of 55 mmHg is elevated, indicating respiratory acidosis, which is expected in a client with emphysema due to CO₂ retention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A potassium level of 4.9 mEq/L is within the normal reference range (typically 3.5–5.0 mEq/L), indicating that the hyperkalemia has been successfully corrected.
B. A potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L is still above normal and does not suggest full effectiveness of the treatment.
C. A potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L remains critically high and indicates that the medication was not effective.
D. A potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L is still elevated and may continue to pose cardiac risks, suggesting partial or no effectiveness.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Metabolic alkalosis is related to an excess of bicarbonate or loss of acid, not CO₂ retention.
B. Metabolic acidosis is caused by the accumulation of acids (like in renal failure or DKA), not respiratory dysfunction.
C. Respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs fail to excrete enough CO₂, leading to CO₂ retention and a decrease in blood pH. This is commonly seen in conditions like COPD, respiratory depression, or airway obstruction.
D. Respiratory alkalosis results from excessive elimination of CO₂, such as in hyperventilation, which is the opposite of what is described.
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