A patient's ABG results came back with the following values: pH 7.25, CO2 40, HCO3 22. How would you, as the nurse, interpret these results?
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a normal or low HCO3. In this case, the pH is 7.25, which is below the normal range of 7.35-7.45, and the HCO3 is 22, which is at the lower end of the normal range of 22-26 mEq/L, indicating metabolic acidosis.
Choice B reason: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a high CO2 level. However, in this scenario, the CO2 is 40, which is within the normal range of 35-45 mmHg, ruling out respiratory acidosis.
Choice C reason: Metabolic alkalosis would present with a high pH and a high HCO3 level. Since the pH is low, metabolic alkalosis is not the correct answer.
Choice D reason: Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a low CO2 level and a high pH. Given that the CO2 is normal and the pH is low, respiratory alkalosis is not the condition indicated by these ABG results.
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Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Decreased pedal pulses could indicate a vascular issue but are not specific to DVT.
Choice B reason: Unilateral leg edema, especially when it is sudden, can be a sign of DVT and is the most indicative of the choices provided.
Choice C reason: Ecchymosis, or bruising, on the foot and ankle can be caused by many factors and is not specific to DVT.
Choice D reason: Coolness of the skin can be a sign of poor circulation but is not specific to DVT.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Diarrhea can lead to metabolic acidosis due to the loss of bicarbonate, which is a base, leading to a relative increase in acidity.
Choice B reason: Salicylate intoxication can initially cause respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation, but may later lead to metabolic acidosis as the body compensates.
Choice C reason: Vomiting typically leads to a loss of gastric acid, which would cause metabolic alkalosis, not acidosis.
Choice D reason: Hyperventilation is more commonly associated with respiratory alkalosis due to the excessive loss of CO2, which is an acid, not metabolic acidosis.
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