A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who was an unrestrained passenger in a motor-vehicle crash. The ABG results are as follows: pH 7.32, HCO3 24 mEq/L, PaCO2 48 mm Hg. The nurse should identify the client is experiencing which of the following acid-base imbalances?

Respiratory acidosis

Metabolic acidosis

Respiratory alkalosis

Metabolic alkalosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A) Respiratory acidosis: This condition is indicated by a low pH (7.32) and an elevated PaCO2 (48 mm Hg), while HCO3 remains normal (24 mEq/L). Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood, usually due to hypoventilation or impaired gas exchange in the lungs.

B) Metabolic acidosis: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a decreased HCO3 level. In this scenario, the HCO3 level is normal, ruling out metabolic acidosis.

C) Respiratory alkalosis: Respiratory alkalosis is indicated by a high pH and a decreased PaCO2. In this case, the pH is low, and the PaCO2 is elevated, which contradicts the characteristics of respiratory alkalosis.

D) Metabolic alkalosis: Metabolic alkalosis would show a high pH and an elevated HCO3 level. Since the pH is low and the HCO3 is normal, this condition does not fit the criteria for metabolic alkalosis.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Muscle twitching:
Muscle twitching, also known as tetany, is a common manifestation of hypocalcemia. Low calcium levels increase neuromuscular excitability, leading to symptoms such as muscle cramps, spasms, and twitching. This is a key clinical sign that helps in diagnosing hypocalcemia.
B) Bounding pulse:
A bounding pulse is not typically associated with hypocalcemia. Instead, it is more often seen in conditions such as fluid overload or hyperdynamic circulatory states, where there is increased cardiac output or vascular volume.
C) Hypertension:
Hypertension is not a common manifestation of hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia is more likely to cause hypotension due to its effect on cardiac contractility and vascular tone, rather than causing high blood pressure.
D) Decreased bowel sounds:
Decreased bowel sounds are not commonly associated with hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia affects neuromuscular function, but it typically causes increased gastrointestinal motility rather than decreased motility, which would lead to hyperactive bowel sounds rather than decreased ones.

A. Impaired coordination B. Sensitivity to light C. Increased respiratory rate D. Hypertension

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Impaired coordination:
Impaired coordination is a common manifestation of hypothermia. As the body temperature drops, the nervous system is affected, leading to difficulties in motor control and coordination. This symptom is indicative of the body's struggle to maintain normal physiological functions in response to the cold.

B) Sensitivity to light:
Sensitivity to light is not typically associated with hypothermia. This symptom is more commonly related to conditions affecting the eyes or the central nervous system, such as migraines or meningitis.

C) Increased respiratory rate:
Hypothermia generally leads to a decreased respiratory rate as the body's metabolic processes slow down. An increased respiratory rate is not a common symptom and may indicate another underlying condition or a compensatory mechanism for another issue.

D) Hypertension:
Hypertension is not a typical manifestation of hypothermia. In fact, as hypothermia progresses, the body's blood pressure often decreases due to reduced cardiac output and peripheral vasoconstriction.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who was an unrestrained passenger in a motor-vehicle crash. The ABG results are as follows: pH 7.32, HCO3 24 mEq/L, PaCO2 48 mm Hg. The nurse should identify the client is experiencing which of the following acid-base imbalances?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client who has hypocalcemia. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who has hypothermia. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a manifestation of hypothermia?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a leg wound. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching about this antibiotic-resistant infection?

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a hearing impairment and a new hearing aid. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A nurse in a provider's office is reviewing the medical record of a client. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as a risk factor for the development of hypertension?

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who was an unrestrained passenger in a motor-vehicle crash. The ABG results are as follows: pH 7.32, HCO3 24 mEq/L, PaCO2 48 mm Hg. The nurse should identify the client is experiencing which of the following acid-base imbalances?

A nurse is preparing to perform a capillary blood glucose test for a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A nurse is caring for a client who has an electrolyte imbalance with an elevated magnesium level of 3.3 mEq/L. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

A nurse is caring for a client who has claustrophobia and is scheduled for an MRI to evaluate potential pericarditis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is examining a skin infection on a client's lower left leg. Findings include edema, erythema, tenderness, and the client reports pain. The nurse should identify that these findings indicate which of the following?