A patient has the following arterial blood gasses (ABGs): pH 7.30, PaCO$_2$ 50, HCO$_3$ 26. Which diagnosis do these ABGs correlate with?
Respiratory alkalosis, hyperventilation.
Metabolic acidosis, diabetic ketoacidosis.
Respiratory acidosis, hypoventilation.
Metabolic alkalosis, Cushing syndrome.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (above 7.45) and a low PaCO$_2$ (below 35). This is typically caused by hyperventilation, where the patient is blowing off too much carbon dioxide. The patient's ABGs (pH 7.30, PaCO$_2$ 50) show a low pH and a high PaCO$_2$, which is the opposite of respiratory alkalosis.
Choice B rationale
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (below 7.35) and a low HCO$_3$ (below 22). While the patient's pH is low (7.30), the HCO$_3$ (26) is within the normal range. The primary imbalance is the elevated PaCO$_2$ (50), indicating a respiratory problem rather than a metabolic one like diabetic ketoacidosis.
Choice C rationale
The patient's ABGs show a low pH (7.30, normal 7.35-7.45), indicating acidosis. The high PaCO$_2$ (50, normal 35-45) indicates a respiratory cause for the acidosis, as carbon dioxide acts as an acid in the blood. The normal HCO$_3$ (26, normal 22-26) suggests that the metabolic system has not yet compensated. This pattern is characteristic of respiratory acidosis caused by hypoventilation.
Choice D rationale
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (above 7.45) and a high HCO$_3$ (above 26). Cushing syndrome can sometimes cause metabolic alkalosis. However, the patient's ABGs (pH 7.30, HCO$_3$ 26) show a low pH and a normal HCO$_3$, which is inconsistent with metabolic alkalosis. .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["1.5"]
Explanation
The patient has an order for Coumadin 3.75 mg today. The pill from the pharmacy is 2.5 mg. How many pills would you give?.
Step 1: Calculate the number of pills needed. 3.75 mg ÷ 2.5 mg = 1.5 pills. The nurse would give 1.5 pills.
Correct Answer is ["5"]
Explanation
The patient has an order for heparin 100 units over one hour. Heparin from the pharmacy comes as 10,000 units in 500 ml. The nurse should set the pump to deliver how many ml/hr?.
Step 1: Calculate the concentration of the heparin solution. 10,000 units ÷ 500 mL = 20 units/mL.
Step 2: Determine the volume of solution required to deliver 100 units. 100 units ÷ (20 units/mL) = 5 mL.
Step 3: The infusion is to be delivered over one hour. 5 mL ÷ 1 hour = 5 mL/hr. The nurse should set the pump to deliver 5 mL/hr.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.