A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who has metabolic alkalosis. Which of the following blood gas values should the nurse expect?
pH 7.36 (7.35 to 7.45), PaCO2 38 mm Hg (35 to 45 mmHg) HCO3 25 mEq/L (22 to 26 mEq/L)
pH 7.48 (7.35 to 7.45), PaCO, 32 mm Hg (35 to 45 mm Hg). HCO3 24 mEq/L (22 to 26 mE q/L)
pH 7.46 (7.35 to 7.45). PaCO2 36 mm Hg (35 to 45 mm Hg). HCO3 29 mEq/L (22 to 26 mEq/L)
pH 7.26 (7.35 to 7.45). PaCO, 35 mm Hg (35 to 45 mm Hg). HCO3 18 mEq/L (22 to 26 mEq/L)
The Correct Answer is C
A) pH 7.36 (7.35 to 7.45), PaCO2 38 mm Hg (35 to 45 mmHg), HCO3 25 mEq/L (22 to 26 mEq/L): This is a normal set of arterial blood gas (ABG) values, with a pH within normal range, a normal PaCO2, and a normal HCO3. It does not suggest metabolic alkalosis.
B) pH 7.48 (7.35 to 7.45), PaCO2 32 mm Hg (35 to 45 mm Hg), HCO3 24 mEq/L (22 to 26 mEq/L): Although the pH is elevated, indicating alkalosis, the PaCO2 is slightly low, and the bicarbonate (HCO3) is within the normal range. This set of values does not indicate metabolic alkalosis, but could indicate respiratory alkalosis or compensated alkalosis.
C) pH 7.46 (7.35 to 7.45), PaCO2 36 mm Hg (35 to 45 mm Hg), HCO3 29 mEq/L (22 to 26 mEq/L): This is consistent with metabolic alkalosis. The elevated pH (alkalosis) combined with an increased bicarbonate level (HCO3 > 26 mEq/L) and a normal PaCO2 suggests metabolic alkalosis, as the kidneys retain bicarbonate to compensate for the condition.
D) pH 7.26 (7.35 to 7.45), PaCO2 35 mm Hg (35 to 45 mm Hg), HCO3 18 mEq/L (22 to 26 mEq/L): This set of values indicates acidosis, not alkalosis. The pH is low, indicating acidosis, and the bicarbonate (HCO3) is also low, which suggests metabolic acidosis. The PaCO2 is normal, which further supports a metabolic origin of the acidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) "A child who has leukemia and an absolute neutrophil count of 200/mm³ (2,500 to 8,000/mm³)."
This child is at significant risk for infection due to a severely low neutrophil count, indicating severe neutropenia. Discharge planning for this child would be inappropriate at this time since they need intensive monitoring and care to manage their immunocompromised status and prevent infections.
B) "A child who has a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus and is receiving IV insulin."
This child is appropriate for discharge planning. A new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes requires thorough teaching for the family and child about blood glucose monitoring, insulin administration, dietary adjustments, and emergency management. While the child is receiving IV insulin in the hospital, once stabilized, they can be discharged with proper education and support to manage their condition at home.
C) "An adolescent who has cystic fibrosis and is receiving their yearly tune-up."
A cystic fibrosis "tune-up" refers to a period of treatment, often including IV antibiotics and respiratory therapy, to help manage the chronic condition. Since this is part of ongoing care and not an acute issue, discharge planning is not immediately appropriate until the "tune-up" is complete, and the adolescent has stabilized.
D) "An infant who has respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and a respiratory rate of 70/min."
This infant is at risk for respiratory distress and requires close monitoring. A respiratory rate of 70/min in an infant is elevated, and the child may need additional respiratory support. Discharge planning should not be initiated until the infant's condition improves and they are stable enough to handle care at home.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Medical health insurance claims:
Medical health insurance claims are not relevant to the referral for physical therapy. This information is typically handled by billing departments and insurance providers. The focus of a physical therapy referral is on the patient's clinical condition and needs, not their insurance coverage.
B) Physical assessment findings:
This is the most relevant information to include in a referral for physical therapy. The physical assessment findings provide the physical therapist with important details about the client's mobility, strength, range of motion, and other factors that can guide the creation of an individualized therapy plan. These findings help the therapist understand the client's current physical capabilities and limitations.
C) Medications taken prior to admission:
While it is important for the healthcare team to be aware of the medications a client is taking, this information is not as crucial for the physical therapy referral itself. The physical therapist may need to know about medications if they have a direct impact on the client's physical functioning (e.g., sedatives or pain medications), but the primary focus for the referral would be on the physical assessment findings.
D) Family medical history:
Family medical history is typically relevant to a broader health assessment but is not generally included in a referral for physical therapy. The therapist will be more concerned with the client's current physical condition and functional abilities rather than the medical history of the client's family.
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