A patient's arterial blood gas (ABG) values include a pH of 7.48, a PaCO2 of 38, and an HCO3- of 30. Around which acid-base imbalance would the nurse plan the patient's care?

Metabolic acidosis.

Metabolic alkalosis.

Respiratory acidosis.

Respiratory alkalosis.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and a low bicarbonate level (<22 mEq/L) The given arterial blood gas (ABG) values indicate a pH of 7.48 (which is alkalotic), a PaCO2 of 38 (within the normal range of 35-45 mm Hg), and an HCO3- of 30 (which is elevated) These values indicate metabolic alkalosis, not metabolic acidosis.

Choice B rationale:

Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and an elevated bicarbonate level (>26 mEq/L) The given ABG values indicate a pH of 7.48 (which is alkalotic) and an elevated HCO3- of 30, indicating metabolic alkalosis. This condition can result from excessive loss of acids (e.g., vomiting) or excessive intake of bicarbonate or alkali substances.

Choice C rationale:

Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and a high PaCO2 (>45 mm Hg) The given ABG values indicate a normal pH of 7.48 and a PaCO2 of 38 (within the normal range), ruling out respiratory acidosis.

Choice D rationale:

Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and a low PaCO2 (<35 mm Hg) The given ABG values indicate a pH of 7.48 (which is alkalotic) and a PaCO2 of 38 (within the normal range), ruling out respiratory alkalosis.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The base does interact with acids in the acid-base balance. Bases, by definition, are substances that can accept hydrogen ions (protons) and neutralize acids. In the context of acid-base balance, bases help regulate the pH of body fluids by counteracting the effects of acids.

Choice B rationale:

The role of the base in the acid-base balance is to promote the excretion of acid. Bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) are a vital component of the body's buffering system, helping to neutralize excess acid. The kidneys play a crucial role in excreting acids from the body, maintaining the acid-base balance.

Choice C rationale:

The base does not activate the system of acid-base balance; instead, it is part of the body's natural buffering system. The acid-base balance is regulated by the lungs and kidneys, which work together to maintain the pH of body fluids within a narrow range (7.35-7.45)

Choice D rationale:

Bases do not increase the action of hydrogen ions. In fact, bases neutralize hydrogen ions, which are acidic. By accepting these ions, bases help to decrease the acidity of a solution, playing a key role in maintaining the body's acid-base balance.

A. Fatigue. B. Dizziness. C. Palpitations. D. Cluster headaches.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Fatigue can be a symptom of uncontrolled hypertension. Elevated blood pressure can strain the heart, leading to decreased cardiac output and inadequate oxygen supply to body tissues, which can result in fatigue.

Choice B rationale:

Dizziness is a common symptom of uncontrolled hypertension. High blood pressure can cause the blood vessels in the inner ear to rupture or leak, leading to dizziness and balance issues.

Choice C rationale:

Palpitations, which are sensations of rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeats, can occur in individuals with uncontrolled hypertension. Hypertension can lead to changes in the structure and function of the heart, causing palpitations.

Choice D rationale:

Cluster headaches are not directly associated with uncontrolled hypertension. Cluster headaches are severe headaches that occur in clusters, often at the same time of day for several weeks. These headaches are not a typical symptom of hypertension.

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A patient's arterial blood gas (ABG) values include a pH of 7.48, a PaCO2 of 38, and an HCO3- of 30. Around which acid-base imbalance would the nurse plan the patient's care?

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Which role is attributed to the base in the acid-base balance?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

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