A patient's arterial blood gas (ABG) results show a pH of 7.35, PaCO2 of 40 mmHg, and HCO3- of 21 mEq/L. What type of acid-base imbalance is present and how would you classify it?
Respiratory alkalosis, fully compensated
Metabolic acidosis, partially compensated
Respiratory acidosis, fully compensated
Metabolic acidosis, fully compensated
The Correct Answer is B
A. Respiratory alkalosis, fully compensated: pH is low normal (7.35), and the bicarbonate (HCO3-) level is low (21 mEq/L), indicating metabolic acidosis, not respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis would present with a high pH and low PaCO2.
B. Metabolic acidosis, partially compensated: The pH is slightly acidic (7.35), and the bicarbonate level is low (21 mEq/L), indicating metabolic acidosis. The PaCO2 level is normal, suggesting partial compensation by the respiratory system, but the body has not fully compensated for the acidosis yet.
C. Respiratory acidosis, fully compensated: Respiratory acidosis would present with an elevated PaCO2 and a low pH, which is not the case here. The PaCO2 is normal at 40 mmHg, so this option is incorrect.
D. Metabolic acidosis, fully compensated: While the client does have metabolic acidosis, the respiratory system has not fully compensated for the acidosis, as evidenced by the normal PaCO2 level. Therefore, the compensation is partial, not full.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Headache: The headache phase involves throbbing or pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea, photophobia, or phonophobia. It occurs after the aura phase and does not typically include sensory disturbances like tingling or visual changes.
B. Prodrome: The prodrome occurs hours to days before the migraine and includes subtle symptoms such as mood changes, food cravings, neck stiffness, or increased urination. It does not include neurological symptoms like visual disturbances or tingling.
C. Postdrome: Also known as the postdrome or recovery phase, this follows the headache phase. Clients may feel fatigued, confused, or drained but do not typically report sensory symptoms like those seen in the aura phase.
D. Aura: The aura phase is characterized by neurological symptoms such as visual disturbances (e.g., blind spots or flashing lights) and sensory changes (e.g., facial tingling). These symptoms occur shortly before the onset of the headache and are classic indicators of this phase.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "As a female, you have a shorter urethra creating an easier way for bacteria to invade your bladder."
The female urethra is approximately 3-4 cm long, which allows bacteria from the perineal area, particularly E. coli, to reach the bladder more easily, making UTIs more common in females. This anatomical factor is a well-established and evidence-based reason for increased UTI susceptibility in women.
B. "If you take too many showers you are more susceptible to getting a UTI because you are washing off the protective bacteria." Frequent showers do not significantly disrupt the natural flora in a way that predisposes to UTIs. In fact, it is poor perineal hygiene or use of irritants like douches or perfumed soaps that may increase the risk, not simply the act of showering often.
C. "As a female, you have more E. coli in your gastrointestinal system that can enter the bladder through your urethra." Both males and females have similar levels of E. coli in the gastrointestinal tract; the difference lies in the anatomical proximity of the anus to the urethra in females, not the quantity of E. coli. The statement misrepresents the actual cause of increased risk in women.
D. "At your age, you have more sexual intercourse than older females making you more likely to get a UTI." While sexual activity is a risk factor for UTIs, this statement makes a generalized assumption about sexual behavior based on age and lacks sensitivity. It is also less accurate than the anatomical explanation provided in option A.
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