. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has metabolic acidosis. The nurse should realize that which of the following findings contributes to the development of metabolic acidosis?
Diarrhea
Salicylate intoxication
Hyperventilation
Vomiting
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Diarrhea causes loss of bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) from the intestines, leading to metabolic acidosis. This is a common non-anion gap cause of metabolic acidosis.
B. While salicylate intoxication can initially cause respiratory alkalosis, it may later lead to mixed acid-base disturbances, including metabolic acidosis. However, it is not the most direct or common cause in this context.
C. Hyperventilation causes respiratory alkalosis, not metabolic acidosis, due to excessive loss of CO₂.
D. Vomiting leads to loss of gastric acid (HCl), which typically results in metabolic alkalosis, not acidosis
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Sodium bicarbonate may be used to correct acidosis, but oxygenation must be addressed first to prevent further deterioration.
B. The first priority is to improve oxygenation. Administering oxygen by mask or nasal cannula is the most immediate and effective way to increase PaO₂ and support respiratory function.
C. A paper bag is used for respiratory alkalosis, not acidosis—it would worsen hypoxemia.
D. Glucose and insulin are used for hyperkalemia, which is not the current priority.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Kussmaul's respirations are deep, rapid breathing that occurs as a respiratory compensation to blow off CO₂ and raise pH during metabolic acidosis.
B. Decreased blood pressure is a clinical sign but not a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis.
C. Reduced abdominal distention is unrelated to acid-base compensation.
D. Increased urinary output may occur but is not the primary compensatory response for metabolic acidosis.
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