A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has DKA. The client's ABG results are pH 7.30, PaCO2 34 mm Hg and HCO3 21 mEq/L. The nurse should identify that these values indicate which of the following acid-base imbalances?
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory acidosis
The Correct Answer is C
A. Respiratory alkalosis: This condition is characterized by low levels of carbon dioxide
(PaCO2) in the blood and an elevated pH. The ABG results in DKA show a low pH, ruling out respiratory alkalosis.
B. Metabolic alkalosis: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by high bicarbonate (HCO3) levels and an elevated pH. The ABG results in DKA show low bicarbonate levels, ruling out metabolic alkalosis.
C. Metabolic acidosis: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by low pH and low bicarbonate (HCO3) levels. The ABG results in DKA demonstrate both low pH and low bicarbonate levels, consistent with metabolic acidosis.
D. Respiratory acidosis: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by high carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels and low pH. The ABG results in DKA show a normal or slightly decreased PaCO2, ruling out respiratory acidosis.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Respiratory alkalosis: This condition is characterized by low levels of carbon dioxide
(PaCO2) in the blood and an elevated pH. The ABG results in DKA show a low pH, ruling out respiratory alkalosis.
B. Metabolic alkalosis: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by high bicarbonate (HCO3) levels and an elevated pH. The ABG results in DKA show low bicarbonate levels, ruling out metabolic alkalosis.
C. Metabolic acidosis: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by low pH and low bicarbonate (HCO3) levels. The ABG results in DKA demonstrate both low pH and low bicarbonate levels, consistent with metabolic acidosis.
D. Respiratory acidosis: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by high carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels and low pH. The ABG results in DKA show a normal or slightly decreased PaCO2, ruling out respiratory acidosis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Before withdrawing any insulin from the vial, it's essential to ensure that the pressure within the vial is equalized. This is achieved by injecting air into the vial equal to the volume of insulin to be withdrawn. Therefore, the nurse should first inject 20 units of air into the vial of NPH insulin. This prevents the formation of a vacuum inside the vial, making it easier to withdraw the correct dose of insulin.
B. Injecting air into the vial of regular insulin should be the second step after injecting air into the vial of NPH insulin. This ensures that both insulin types are prepared correctly.
C. Withdrawing 20 units of NPH insulin from the vial should occur after injecting air into the vial, not before.
D. Withdrawing 5 units of regular insulin from the vial should occur after injecting air into the vial, not before.
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