A patient is experiencing respiratory acidosis. Which organ system is responsible for compensation in this patient?

Renal

Endocrine

Respiratory

Gastrointestinal

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Rationale:
A. The renal system compensates for respiratory acidosis by retaining bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) and excreting hydrogen ions to help normalize blood pH.
B. The endocrine system regulates hormones, but it is not involved in acid-base compensation.
C. The respiratory system is the cause of the acidosis in this case and therefore cannot compensate.
D. The gastrointestinal system has a minor role in maintaining acid-base balance, but it is not the primary compensatory system for respiratory imbalances.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Rationale:

A. Request a potassium replacement: The client's potassium level is 3.0 mEq/L, which indicates hypokalemia (normal range: 3.5–5.0 mEq/L). TPN can cause electrolyte shifts, so potassium supplementation is appropriate and should be initiated to prevent complications like arrhythmias and muscle weakness.

B. Administer glucagon IM: This is used to treat severe hypoglycemia. The client’s glucose is 72 mg/dL, which is within the normal range (70–100 mg/dL fasting), so glucagon is not needed.

C. Check the client for a positive Chvostek's sign: Chvostek’s sign is associated with hypocalcemia, not hypokalemia, and calcium levels were not mentioned as abnormal here.

D. Discontinue the TPN infusion: Discontinuing TPN is not appropriate without a critical reason. Electrolyte imbalances are common during TPN therapy and are typically managed by adjusting the TPN formulation rather than stopping it altogether.

A. A serum potassium of 6.5 mEq/L and flaccid paralysis B. A serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L and hyperactive deep tendon reflexes (DTRS) C. A serum sodium of 144 mEq/L and tachycardia D. A serum sodium of 130 mEq/L and peripheral edema

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Rationale:
A. A serum potassium of 6.5 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia, which can occur in acidosis as hydrogen ions shift into cells and potassium shifts out. Flaccid paralysis is a serious neuromuscular manifestation of severe hyperkalemia and supports a diagnosis of acidosis.
B. A potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L is normal, and hyperactive DTRs are more often associated with alkalosis, not acidosis.
C. A sodium level of 144 mEq/L is normal, and while tachycardia may occur in many conditions, it is nonspecific and does not indicate acidosis.
D. A sodium level of 130 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, and peripheral edema is more related to fluid imbalance or heart failure, not acidosis.

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A patient is experiencing respiratory acidosis. Which organ system is responsible for compensation in this patient?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN): glucose 72 mg/dL, chloride 100 mEq/L. sodium 138 mEq/L. and potassium 3.0 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Which laboratory data and clinical manifestations cause you to suspect your client may be experiencing acidosis?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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