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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?

A.

Metabolic alkalosis

B.

Respiratory acidosis

C.

Respiratory alkalosis

D.

Metabolic acidosis

Answer and Explanation

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.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Respiratory acidosis is indicated by a pH lower than the normal range (7.35-7.45), combined with a CO2 level higher than the normal range (35-45 mmHg). In this scenario, the pH is 7.33, which is slightly acidic, and the CO2 is 50, which is elevated, suggesting that the lungs are not adequately removing CO2.


Choice B reason: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a low HCO3 level. However, in this case, the HCO3 is normal (22-26 mEq/L), ruling out metabolic acidosis.


Choice C reason: Metabolic alkalosis would present with a high pH and a high HCO3 level. Since the pH is low, metabolic alkalosis is not the correct answer.

Choice D reason: Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and a low CO2 level. Given that the pH is low and the CO2 is high, respiratory alkalosis is not the condition indicated by these ABG results.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with hyperkalemia, which is a high level of potassium in the blood.

Choice B reason: Decreased deep tendon reflexes can be a sign of hyperkalemia, as high potassium levels can affect neuromuscular function.


Choice C reason: Cerebral edema is not a direct manifestation of hyperkalemia; it is more commonly associated with other conditions such as traumatic brain injury or stroke.


Choice D reason: Weakening, or muscle weakness, can be a symptom of hyperkalemia, but it is less specific than decreased deep tendon reflexes.

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