A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who was hyperventilating during a panic attack.
Which of the following arterial blood gas values should the nurse expect?
pH 7.50 and HCO3 31 mm Hg.
pH 7.30 and HCO3 19 mm Hg.
pH 7.47 and PaCO2 31 mm Hg.
pH 7.32 and PaCO2 50 mm Hg.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is: C.
Choice A reason: A pH of 7.50 and HCO3 of 31 mm Hg suggest a metabolic alkalosis due to the high bicarbonate level. However, during a panic attack, hyperventilation leads to respiratory alkalosis, not metabolic, due to the excessive exhalation of CO2, which is not consistent with this option.
Choice B reason: A pH of 7.30 and HCO3 of 19 mm Hg indicate a metabolic acidosis due to the low bicarbonate level. This is not typically associated with hyperventilation during a panic attack, which usually causes respiratory alkalosis, characterized by a decrease in CO2 levels and an increase in pH.
Choice C reason: A pH of 7.47 and PaCO2 of 31 mm Hg are indicative of respiratory alkalosis, which is expected during hyperventilation as a result of a panic attack. Hyperventilation causes a decrease in carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels, leading to an increase in pH. The normal ranges for arterial blood gases are: pH 7.35-7.45, PaCO2 35-45 mm Hg, and HCO3 22-26 mEq/L.
Choice D reason: A pH of 7.32 and PaCO2 of 50 mm Hg suggest respiratory acidosis due to the elevated PaCO2 level. This would be more consistent with hypoventilation, which is not the case during a panic attack where hyperventilation occurs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Pitting edema of the lower legs.”. Pitting edema is a common sign of congestive heart failure (CHF), and it often occurs bilaterally in the lower extremities. While this is a potential finding in left-sided heart failure, it is not specific to it.
Choice B rationale:
"Jugular venous distention.”. Jugular venous distention (JVD) is more indicative of right-sided heart failure or elevated central venous pressure. It is not a typical finding in left-sided heart failure.
Choice C rationale:
"Shortness of breath while lying down.”. This is a classic symptom of left-sided heart failure, known as orthopnea. When the patient lies flat, fluid that has accumulated in the lungs can lead to difficulty breathing. Patients with left-sided heart failure often find relief by sleeping with their upper body elevated.
Choice D rationale:
"Right upper quadrant pain.”. Right upper quadrant pain is not a typical finding in left-sided heart failure. It may be associated with issues related to the liver or gallbladder but is not directly related to heart failure.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choiceA. Heart rate 50/min.
Choice A rationale:
Atenolol is a beta-blocker that can significantly lower heart rate.A heart rate of 50/min is considered bradycardia (slow heart rate), and administering atenolol could further decrease the heart rate to a dangerously low level. Therefore, the nurse should withhold the medication in this case.
Choice B rationale:
A respiratory rate of 18/min is within the normal range (12-20 breaths per minute) and does not contraindicate the use of atenolol. Therefore, this finding would not require withholding the medication.
Choice C rationale:
An oxygen saturation of 95% is within the normal range (typically 95-100%) and does not contraindicate the use of atenolol. Thus, this finding would not necessitate withholding the medication.
Choice D rationale:
While a blood pressure of 160/94 mm Hg indicates hypertension, atenolol is often prescribed to manage high blood pressure. Therefore, this finding would not require withholding the medication.
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