A patient newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus is admitted to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. ABG results reveal a pH of 7.2 and a bicarbonate level of 20 mEq/L. What other assessment findings should the nurse anticipate in this patient? Select all that apply.

Dysrhythmias.

Kussmaul respirations.

Weakness.

Cold, clammy skin.

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : B,C,E

Choice A rationale:

Dysrhythmias are not a direct consequence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or the acid-base imbalance indicated by the patient's pH of 7.2 and bicarbonate level of 20 mEq/L. DKA primarily affects the respiratory system, leading to Kussmaul respirations, not dysrhythmias.

Choice B rationale:

Kussmaul respirations are an expected finding in a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and metabolic acidosis. These deep, rapid breaths are the body's attempt to compensate for the acidosis by eliminating excess CO2.

Choice C rationale:

Weakness is a common symptom of DKA. The hyperglycemia and acidosis result in intracellular dehydration and impaired cellular function, leading to weakness and fatigue.

Choice D rationale:

Cold, clammy skin is not typically associated with DKA. Instead, patients with DKA may have warm, dry skin due to dehydration and impaired thermoregulation.

Choice E rationale:

Tachycardia is an expected finding in a patient with DKA. The metabolic acidosis and dehydration lead to an increase in heart rate as the body attempts to maintain perfusion.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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.

A. Hypocalcemia. B. Hypercalcemia. C. Hyperkalemia. D. Hypokalemia.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Hypocalcemia refers to low levels of calcium in the blood, which can present with symptoms like muscle cramps, numbness, and tingling. However, this choice is not relevant to the patient's symptoms in the scenario.

Choice B rationale:

Hypercalcemia is an electrolyte imbalance characterized by high levels of calcium in the blood. It can lead to ECG changes and symptoms like muscle weakness, confusion, and constipation. However, this is not the correct answer in the given scenario.

Choice C rationale:

The patient's symptoms of ECG changes and muscle weakness are consistent with hyperkalemia. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, and its use can lead to increased potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia), which can affect the heart's electrical activity and cause muscle weakness.

Choice D rationale:

Hypokalemia is a condition where there is a low level of potassium in the blood. It can lead to muscle weakness, ECG changes, and other symptoms, but it is not the correct answer in this specific situation involving spironolactone use.

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A patient newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus is admitted to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. ABG results reveal a pH of 7.2 and a bicarbonate level of 20 mEq/L. What other assessment findings should the nurse anticipate in this patient? Select all that apply.

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A patient prescribed spironolactone is demonstrating ECG changes and complaining of muscle weakness. The nurse realizes this patient is exhibiting signs of which electrolyte imbalance?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is concerned that a patient recovering from a thyroidectomy is developing hypocalcemia. What findings did the nurse use to come to this conclusion? Select all that apply.

A patient is diagnosed with hypokalemia. After reviewing the patient's current medications, which drug should the nurse consider that might have contributed to the patient's health problem?

A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas results for a client in the ICU who has kidney failure and determines the client has respiratory acidosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

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A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has fluid volume deficit. The nurse would expect which of the following findings?

A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse recognize as a potential causative factor?

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