A woman was brought to the emergency department of a hospital after she fell into the ground and hurt her left leg. She is noted to be tachycardic and tachypneic. Painkillers were carried out to lessen her pain. Suddenly, she started complaining that she is still in pain and now experiencing muscle cramps, tingling, and paraesthesia. Measurement of arterial blood gas reveals pH 7.6, PaO2 120 mm Hg. PaCO2 31 mm Hg, and HCO3 25 mmol/L.

What does this mean?

Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated

Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated

Metabolic Alkalosis. Uncompensated

Metabolic Alkalosis. Partially Compensated

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A.   This is incorrect because the pH is indicative of alkalosis, not acidosis, and the body has not compensated.
B.   The arterial blood gas (ABG) values provided indicate a pH of 7.6, which is above the normal range (7.35-7.45), suggesting alkalosis. The PaCO2 is low at 31 mm Hg, indicating hyperventilation, which is a respiratory process. Since the HCO3 is normal at 25 mmol/L, it suggests that the metabolic system is not the cause of the alkalosis. The body has not had time to compensate for the high pH with renal adjustments to the bicarbonate level, which would be seen in a partially compensated state.
C.   This is incorrect because the bicarbonate level is normal, suggesting the metabolic system is not the cause.
D.   This is incorrect because the bicarbonate level is normal, suggesting the metabolic system is not the cause.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Respiratory acidosis typically presents with cool, clammy skin due to compensatory peripheral vasoconstriction.
B. Peripheral pulses may be weak or thready in respiratory acidosis due to decreased cardiac output.
C. Respiratory acidosis can lead to electrolyte imbalances, particularly hyperkalemia, which can manifest as widened QRS complexes on an electrocardiogram (ECG).
D. Respiratory acidosis can lead to hyperkalemia, but hyperactive deep tendon reflexes are not a characteristic finding.

A. Lethargy B. Photophobia C. Weight loss D. Exophthalmos

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Lethargy is a common symptom of hypothyroidism due to decreased metabolic rate and energy levels.
B. Photophobia is not typically associated with hypothyroidism.
C. Weight gain is more common in hypothyroidism due to slowed metabolism, rather than weight loss.
D. Exophthalmos is a characteristic feature of hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas results for a client in the ICU who has kidney failure and determines the client has respiratory acidosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who has hypothyroidism. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse is collecting the medical history from a client who has manifestations of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). The nurse should ask the client if he has a history of which of the following conditions that can cause SIADH?

A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client who has a history of recurring calcium oxalate kidney stones. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is reviewing laboratory values for a client who has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Which of the following values should give the nurse the best indication of the client's renal function?

A nurse is caring for a client who has the following arterial blood gas results: HCO3-, 18 mEq, PaCO, 28 mm Hg and pH 7.30. The nurse recognizes the client is experiencing which of the following acid base imbalances?

A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic renal disease and is receiving therapy with epoetin alfa. Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse review for an indication of a therapeutic effect of the medication?

A nurse is discussing kidney transplant with a client who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Which of the following should the nurse identify as a contraindication for this treatment?