A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who has respiratory acidosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Potassium 3.3 mEq/L.

HCO3- 30 mEq/L.

PacO2 50 mm Hg.

pH 7.45.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

PacO2 50 mm Hg. Choice A rationale:

Potassium levels are not directly related to respiratory acidosis. Potassium levels may be affected in certain conditions, but they are not specific indicators of respiratory acidosis.

Choice B rationale:

HCO3- (bicarbonate) levels may be elevated in metabolic alkalosis, not respiratory acidosis. In respiratory acidosis, the primary abnormality is an increased PacO2, not HCO3-.

Choice C rationale:

The partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PacO2) is a key parameter in diagnosing respiratory acidosis. In this case, a PacO2 of 50 mm Hg suggests hypoventilation and an excess of carbon dioxide in the blood, contributing to acidosis.

Choice D rationale:

The pH level given (pH 7.45) is within the normal range, which contradicts the diagnosis of respiratory acidosis. In respiratory acidosis, the pH would be expected to be below the normal range of 7.35-7.45 due to increased carbon dioxide levels.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Cerebral bleeding. Choice A rationale:

Stress fractures are not directly related to hypernatremia. Hypernatremia is an electrolyte imbalance, and its main effects are related to cellular dehydration and neurological symptoms rather than bone fractures.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct answer because hypernatremia can lead to severe dehydration and cause neurological complications, including cerebral bleeding. The brain cells can shrink due to water loss, causing blood vessels to rupture, leading to bleeding in the brain.

Choice C rationale:

Atrial dysrhythmias are not directly associated with hypernatremia. Hypernatremia primarily affects the central nervous system and can lead to neurological symptoms rather than cardiac dysrhythmias.

Choice D rationale:

Pulmonary edema is not a likely consequence of hypernatremia. Pulmonary edema is associated with fluid volume excess, not fluid volume deficit, which is characteristic of hypernatremia.

A. Patient with bulimia. B. Patient with COPD. C. Patient with venous stasis ulcer. D. Patient on dialysis.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale: Patients with bulimia are at increased risk for developing metabolic alkalosis due to recurrent vomiting, which leads to loss of hydrochloric acid from the stomach and results in an elevated blood bicarbonate level.

Choice B rationale: Patients with COPD are more likely to develop respiratory acidosis due to retention of carbon dioxide, not metabolic alkalosis.

Choice C rationale: Patients with venous stasis ulcers do not have a direct association with metabolic alkalosis.

Choice D rationale: Patients on dialysis are more likely to experience metabolic acidosis due to impaired kidney function and inability to excrete acid effectively.

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A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who has respiratory acidosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

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Correct Answer is A

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