A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas (ABG) results of a patient. The patient's ABGs are: pH 7.5
CO2 40 mm Hg HCO3 32 mEq/L
Which of the following acid-base conditions should the nurse identify the patient is experiencing?
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Metabolic alkalosis is indicated by a high pH and a high HCO3 level. In this case, the pH is 7.5, which is above the normal range of 7.35-7.45, and the HCO3 is 32 mEq/L, which is above the normal range of 22-26 mEq/L.
Choice B reason: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a high CO2 level and a low pH, which is not the case here as the CO2 is normal and the pH is high.
Choice C reason: Respiratory alkalosis typically presents with a low CO2 level and a high pH. Since the CO2 is normal, this condition does not fit the patient's ABG results.
Choice D reason: Metabolic acidosis would present with a low pH and a low HCO3 level. Given that both the pH and HCO3 are high, metabolic acidosis is not the correct diagnosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and a high HCO3 level, which is not present in this scenario.
Choice B reason: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a high PaCO2 and a low pH. Although the pH is low here, the PaCO2 is also low, ruling out respiratory acidosis.
Choice C reason: Metabolic acidosis is indicated by a low pH and a low HCO3 level, which aligns with the patient's ABG results.
Choice D reason: Respiratory alkalosis would present with a high pH and a low PaCO2, which is not the case here.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Poor nutritional status can impair wound healing and increase the risk of wound dehiscence.
Choice B reason: Medication administration is too vague to determine a risk for dehiscence without specifying the type of medication.
Choice C reason: Obesity can increase the risk of dehiscence due to the strain on the wound from excess tissue.
Choice D reason: Nonadherence could contribute to dehiscence if it refers to not following postoperative care instructions, but it is not specific enough in this context.
Choice E reason: An increased metabolic rate can lead to higher demands on the body's healing process, potentially affecting wound integrity.
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