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 ["C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Upper endoscopy is not typically used to diagnose cholecystitis. It is more commonly used to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
Choice B reason: Stool samples are not relevant for diagnosing cholecystitis. They are more commonly used to detect gastrointestinal infections or bleeding.
Choice C reason: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a valuable diagnostic tool for cholecystitis, especially when there is suspicion of bile duct obstruction or gallstones.
Choice D reason: Abdominal ultrasound is the most common and preferred imaging test for diagnosing cholecystitis. It can visualize the gallbladder and detect gallstones, inflammation, or other abnormalities.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: NPH (Humulin N) is an intermediate-acting insulin that is used to control blood sugar levels throughout the day, not specifically for mealtime coverage. It is typically administered twice a day.
Choice B reason: Detemir (Levemir) is a long-acting insulin that provides basal insulin coverage. It helps maintain blood sugar levels stable over a 24-hour period and is not intended for controlling post-meal blood sugar spikes.
Choice C reason: Lispro (Humalog) is a rapid-acting insulin used for mealtime coverage. It is designed to be taken just before or immediately after a meal to control the sudden rise in blood sugar levels that occurs after eating.
Choice D reason: Glargine (Lantus) is a long-acting insulin that provides basal insulin coverage, helping to maintain steady blood glucose levels throughout the day and night. It is not used for mealtime blood sugar control.
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