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?

The correct answer is: B. Normocytic.

Choice A rationale: Microcytic erythrocytes, or smaller-than-normal red blood cells, are typically seen in chronic conditions like iron deficiency anemia, not acute blood loss.

Choice B rationale: Normocytic erythrocytes, or normal-sized red blood cells, are usually seen in acute blood loss as the body's initial response doesn't alter the size of red blood cells.

Choice C rationale: Hypochromic erythrocytes, or paler-than-normal red blood cells, are more common in chronic anemia states such as iron deficiency.

Choice D rationale: Megaloblastic erythrocytes, or abnormally large red blood cells, are seen in conditions like vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, not in acute blood loss.

Choice A rationale:

Maximizing cardiac output is a primary goal for patients with chronic heart failure (HF) because it helps improve tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery to meet the body's demands. It is a crucial aspect of managing heart failure and preventing further complications.

Choice B rationale:

Maintaining ideal body weight is important for overall health but is not a primary goal specific to chronic heart failure management.

Choice C rationale:

While exercise is beneficial for heart failure patients, it needs to be tailored to the patient's condition. Performing aerobic exercises daily might not be suitable for all heart failure patients and is not a primary goal.

Choice D rationale:

Maintaining a steady pulse oximetry reading is important, but it is a measure of oxygen saturation in the blood and not a primary goal for managing chronic heart failure.