A patient who was involved in a motor vehicle crash has had a tracheostomy placed to allow for continued mechanical ventilation. How should the nurse interpret the following arterial blood gas results: pH 7.48, PaO₂ 85 mm Hg, PaCO₂ 32 mm Hg, and HCO₃ 25 mEq/L?
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in blood pH (less than 7.35) due to a primary decrease in bicarbonate (HCO₃). The arterial blood gas results in this scenario do not indicate metabolic acidosis, as the pH is elevated and HCO₃ is within the normal range.
Choice B reason: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an increase in blood pH (greater than 7.45) due to a primary increase in bicarbonate (HCO₃). In this case, the pH is indeed elevated, but the bicarbonate level is normal, making this condition unlikely.
Choice C reason: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a decrease in blood pH (less than 7.35) due to a primary increase in PaCO₂. The arterial blood gas results show an elevated pH and a decreased PaCO₂, which are not consistent with respiratory acidosis.
Choice D reason: Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by an increase in blood pH (greater than 7.45) due to a primary decrease in PaCO₂. In this scenario, the pH is elevated at 7.48, and the PaCO₂ is decreased at 32 mm Hg, indicating respiratory alkalosis. The bicarbonate level is within the normal range, further supporting this interpretation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Reason: Emotional distress can indeed decrease treatment adherence. Patients experiencing high levels of emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or fear, may find it challenging to follow their treatment regimens consistently. This can result in missed appointments, skipped medications, and overall reduced compliance with their healthcare plan. Emotional support and mental health interventions are crucial for improving adherence and overall treatment outcomes.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Preventing skin maceration is not the primary purpose of the reverse Trendelenburg position. Skin maceration typically occurs due to excessive moisture on the skin, and the bed position does not directly address this issue.
Choice B reason: Reducing restenosis, which is the re-narrowing of a blood vessel after it has been treated, is not directly affected by the patient's bed position. Restenosis is more related to the procedure performed and the patient's overall condition rather than positioning.
Choice C reason: Reducing the risk of infection is also not a direct benefit of the reverse Trendelenburg position. Infection prevention involves maintaining sterile techniques, proper wound care, and monitoring for signs of infection.
Choice D reason: Increasing perfusion to the legs is the correct rationale for placing the bed in the reverse Trendelenburg position for a patient with critical limb ischemia. This position helps to improve blood flow to the lower extremities by utilizing gravity to aid in circulation, thus enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery to the affected tissues.
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