A patient's ABG shows: pH 7.32. PaCO2 50 mmHg. HCO3 24 mEq/L. What is the correct diagnosis?
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic alkalosis
The Correct Answer is B
A. Metabolic acidosis would be indicated by a low pH and a low HCO3, which is not present in this case since HCO3 is normal.
B. The pH of 7.32 indicates acidemia, and a PaCO2 of 50 mmHg suggests respiratory acidosis as the body is retaining carbon dioxide, contributing to the low pH. The HCO3 is normal, indicating that there is no metabolic compensation occurring.
C. Respiratory alkalosis would show a high pH and low PaCO2, which is not the case here.
D. Metabolic alkalosis would present with a high pH and elevated HCO3, which is also not present in these ABG results.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Cardiac tamponade is a condition where fluid accumulates in the pericardial space, exerting pressure on the heart and impeding its ability to pump effectively, leading to obstructive shock.
B. Third spacing refers to fluid accumulation in the interstitial spaces but is not a specific diagnosis of obstructive shock.
C. A ruptured aneurysm may lead to hypovolemic shock due to blood loss rather than obstructive shock, which is characterized by physical obstruction to blood flow.
D. Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that affects its ability to pump blood, leading to cardiogenic shock, not obstructive shock.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Obstructive shock occurs when blood flow is physically obstructed, such as in cases of pulmonary embolism or cardiac tamponade, which is not indicated here as the cause is blood loss.
B. Septic shock is related to infection and systemic inflammatory response, not directly caused by blood loss.
C. Hypovolemic shock is caused by a significant loss of blood volume, leading to decreased blood pressure, which directly relates to the client losing 800 mL of blood during surgery. This condition results in inadequate perfusion and oxygen delivery to tissues.
D. Neurogenic shock results from spinal cord injuries leading to vasodilation and bradycardia, which is not applicable to this scenario.
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