A nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory report of arterial blood gas (ABG) findings: pH 7.28, HCO3 18, and PaCO2 36. Which of the following conditions should the nurse anticipate when interpreting these findings?
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory acidosis
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Metabolic alkalosis would present with an elevated pH and HCO3, which is not the case here.
Choice B reason: Respiratory alkalosis would present with an elevated pH and a decreased PaCO2, which is not the case here.
Choice C reason: Metabolic acidosis is indicated by a decreased pH and HCO3, which aligns with the ABG findings provided.
Choice D reason: Respiratory acidosis would present with a decreased pH and an elevated PaCO2, which is not the case here.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Aspiration is a common complication in patients with dysphagia post-stroke due to impaired swallowing reflexes, leading to food or liquid entering the lungs.
Choice B reason: Gastroesophageal reflux disease could be a concern but is not directly related to dysphagia post-stroke.
Choice C reason: Peptic ulcer disease is not typically a complication of dysphagia post-stroke.
Choice D reason: Dumping syndrome is related to rapid gastric emptying post-meal, not dysphagia post-stroke.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Asterixis, also known as “liver flap,” is a type of tremor characterized by rapid, nonrhythmic extensions and flexions in the wrist and fingers. It is associated with hepatic encephalopathy, a condition that can occur with severe liver disease, but it is not a direct indicator of low albumin levels.
Choice B reason: Peripheral edema is a common clinical finding in patients with hypoalbuminemia, which is a low level of albumin in the blood. When albumin levels are low, fluid from the bloodstream can leak into body tissues, causing swelling, especially in the lower limbs. When assessing a client with liver disease and low albumin levels, palpating for peripheral edema would be the most relevant nursing assessment, as it directly correlates with the effects of hypoalbuminemia on fluid balance in the body. Albumin is a protein made by the liver that helps keep fluid in your blood vessels and plays a role in transporting substances throughout your body. Low levels of albumin can lead to fluid leaking out of blood vessels into tissues, causing swelling or edema.
Choice C reason: Decreased level of consciousness can be a sign of various conditions, including hepatic encephalopathy or other complications of liver disease, but it is not specifically indicative of low albumin levels.
Choice D reason: Petechiae are small red or purple spots caused by bleeding into the skin and may be associated with various conditions, including liver disease, but they are not a specific sign of low albumin levels.
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