A nurse is reviewing the ABG values of a client. The client has a pH of 7.2, PaCO2 of 60 mm Hg, and HCO3 of 25 mEq/L. The nurse should identify that the client has which of the following acid-base imbalances?
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis
Metabolic acidosis
The Correct Answer is C
Respiratory acidosis.
Rationale:
- A. Incorrect. The client does not have respiratory alkalosis because respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a low PaCO2 (less than 35 mm Hg) and a high pH (greater than 7.45).
- B. Incorrect. The client does not have metabolic alkalosis because metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high HCO3 (greater than 26 mEq/L) and a high pH (greater than 7.45). - C. Correct. The client has respiratory acidosis because respiratory acidosis is characterized by a high PaCO2 (greater than 45 mm Hg) and a low pH (less than 7.35).
- D. Incorrect. The client does not have metabolic acidosis because metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low HCO3 (less than 22 mEq/L) and a low pH (less than 7.35).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
- A is incorrect because assessing the apical pulse while the newborn is crying can result in an inaccurate measurement due to increased heart rate and respiratory rate.
- B is incorrect because palpating the radial pulse for 30 seconds is not appropriate for a newborn as it can be difficult to locate and count accurately.
- C is incorrect because listening to the apical pulse while palpating the radial pulse is not necessary for a newborn and can be confusing and time-consuming.
- D is correct because auscultating the apical pulse at least 1 min is the best way to assess a newborn's heart rate as it provides an accurate and reliable measurement.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
- A. Correct. The nurse should initiate seizure precautions for a client who is at 33 weeks of gestation and has severe gestational hypertension, which is a blood pressure of 160/110 mm Hg or higher on two occasions at least 4 hr apart, or once with signs of end-organ damage. Severe gestational hypertension can lead to preeclampsia, which is a condition characterized by hypertension, proteinuria, and edema, and can progress to eclampsia, which is a lifethreatening complication that involves seizures.
- B. Incorrect. The nurse does not need to initiate seizure precautions for a client who is at 16 weeks of gestation and has a hydatidiform mole, which is an abnormal growth of placental tissue that resembles grape-like clusters. A hydatidiform mole can cause vaginal bleeding, hyperemesis gravidarum, and elevated human chorionic gonadotropin levels, but it does not increase the risk of seizures.
- C. Incorrect. The nurse does not need to initiate seizure precautions for a client who is at 28 weeks of gestation and is experiencing vaginal bleeding, which can have various causes such as placenta previa, placental abruption, or cervical trauma. Vaginal bleeding can indicate a potential hemorrhage, but it does not increase the risk of seizures.
- D. Incorrect. The nurse does not need to initiate seizure precautions for a client who is at 36 weeks of gestation and has a positive group B streptococcal culture, which means that the client has bacteria in their vagina or rectum that can cause infection in the newborn during delivery. A positive group B streptococcal culture requires antibiotic prophylaxis during labor, but it does not increase the risk of seizures.
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