A patient's ABG results are: pH 7.50, PCO2 25, HCO3 25, PO2 80. Which finding should the nurse expect as the body compensates for the acid-base imbalance?
The kidneys will excrete more HCO3 into the urine.
The respiratory system will increase RR.
The kidneys will create more HCO3.
The respiratory system will decrease respiratory rate (RR).
The Correct Answer is D
A. While the kidneys do excrete HCO3 to help in metabolic compensation, this process is slower than respiratory compensation.
B. An increase in respiratory rate would further decrease CO2, worsening the alkalosis rather than compensating for it.
C. Creating more HCO3 would not compensate for respiratory alkalosis and would actually increase the pH further.
D. The body will decrease the respiratory rate to retain more CO2, helping to lower the pH and partially correct the alkalosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. An increased capillary refill time suggests reduced perfusion and may indicate decreased cardiac output, which is critical to assess in patients with atrial fibrillation as it can lead to hemodynamic instability.
B. A rumbling heart murmur may suggest valvular disease but is not specifically indicative of decreased cardiac output in this scenario.
C. Intermittent claudication typically indicates peripheral arterial disease and is not a direct sign of decreased cardiac output.
D. Jugular venous distension can indicate fluid overload or right-sided heart failure, but it is not the most direct indicator of decreased cardiac output compared to capillary refill time.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Troponin is a biomarker used to diagnose myocardial infarction (heart attack), not heart failure.
B. Calcium levels are important for overall metabolic function but are not specific for heart failure.
C. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is elevated in heart failure, specifically in left heart failure, and helps confirm the diagnosis. BNP is a hormone released by the ventricles in response to increased pressure and volume.
D. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation but does not specifically confirm a heart failure diagnosis.
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