A patient has the following blood gases: PaCO2 33, pH 7.50, HCO3 23. Which of the following could NOT be the cause of this condition?
Aspirin toxicity
Fever
Anxiety attack
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
The Correct Answer is D
A. Aspirin Toxicity:
Effect on Blood Gases: Aspirin toxicity can cause respiratory alkalosis due to increased respiratory rate (hyperventilation), leading to a decreased PaCO2 and increased pH.
Relation to Given Blood Gases: It could potentially cause the observed blood gas values (low PaCO2 and high pH), making it a possible cause.
B. Fever:
Effect on Blood Gases: Fever might cause hyperventilation, resulting in respiratory alkalosis with decreased PaCO2 and increased pH.
Relation to Given Blood Gases: It could potentially cause the observed blood gas values.
C. Anxiety Attack:
Effect on Blood Gases: Anxiety attacks can lead to hyperventilation and subsequent respiratory alkalosis with low PaCO2 and high pH.
Relation to Given Blood Gases: It could potentially cause the observed blood gas values.
D. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):
Effect on Blood Gases: COPD typically causes respiratory acidosis due to impaired gas exchange, resulting in elevated PaCO2 and decreased pH.
Relation to Given Blood Gases: COPD wouldn't typically cause the observed blood gas values of low PaCO2 and high pH.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Respiratory acidosis:
This occurs when there is inadequate ventilation, leading to an accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood. In the context of a nasogastric tube attached to low suction, respiratory acidosis is not the primary concern. It is more associated with conditions like respiratory depression or lung diseases.
B. Metabolic acidosis:
Metabolic acidosis results from an excess of acid or a loss of bicarbonate. It is not the typical outcome of a nasogastric tube attached to low suction. Conditions like diarrhea or renal failure are more commonly associated with metabolic acidosis.
C. Respiratory alkalosis:
Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is excessive loss of carbon dioxide from the body, often due to hyperventilation. This is not a typical consequence of a nasogastric tube attached to low suction.
D. Metabolic alkalosis:
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an excess of bicarbonate or a loss of acid. In the given context, with the nasogastric tube attached to low suction, there is a potential loss of gastric acid, contributing to metabolic alkalosis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Leukemia:
Explanation: Leukemia is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and lymphatic system. It typically presents with an abnormal increase in white blood cells. While fatigue can be a symptom, increased bilirubin concentration and an increased reticulocyte count are not typical findings in leukemia.
B. Hemolytic Anemia:
Explanation: Hemolytic anemia is characterized by the premature destruction of red blood cells, leading to an increased release of bilirubin (from the breakdown of hemoglobin) and an increased reticulocyte count (as the body attempts to compensate by producing more red blood cells). This is a likely possibility given the presented symptoms.
C. Hypoproliferative Anemia:
Explanation: Hypoproliferative anemia is characterized by a decreased production of red blood cells. It is unlikely in this scenario, as an increased reticulocyte count suggests an attempt by the bone marrow to increase red blood cell production.
D. Thrombocytopenia:
Explanation: Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low platelet count. It does not typically present with an increased bilirubin concentration or an increased reticulocyte count.
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