An unresponsive client was brought to the emergency room and had an arterial blood gas drawn. Ten minutes later, the laboratory calls with the following results: PaO2 74%, pH 7.22, PaCO2 85 mm Hg, and HCO3 23 mEq/L. The nurse interprets the results as indicating which imbalance?

Respiratory acidosis without compensation

Metabolic acidosis with full compensation

Respiratory acidosis with partial compensation

Metabolic acidosis without compensation

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Respiratory acidosis without compensation: The pH of 7.22 indicates acidosis, but the HCO3 level of 23 mEq/L suggests that compensation is occurring because the HCO3 is within the normal range for respiratory acidosis.
B. Metabolic acidosis with full compensation: The high PaCO2 level is more indicative of respiratory issues, not metabolic acidosis. Additionally, compensation for metabolic acidosis would show elevated HCO3.
C. Respiratory acidosis with partial compensation: The elevated PaCO2 and low pH indicate respiratory acidosis. The normal HCO3 level suggests partial compensation by the kidneys.
D. Metabolic acidosis without compensation: The elevated PaCO2 and normal HCO3 suggest respiratory acidosis rather than metabolic acidosis.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. A 47-year-old client who reports two loose stools with a serum sodium of 139 mmol/L: Although diarrhea can lead to electrolyte imbalances, a serum sodium level of 139 mmol/L is within normal range, so this client is not the highest priority.
B. A 71-year-old client with a calcium level of 8.9 mg/dL and a negative Trousseau sign: A calcium level of 8.9 mg/dL is slightly low but not critically low, especially with a negative Trousseau sign. This client is stable compared to others.
C. A 52-year-old client with fluid volume excess and BUN of 18 mg/dL: A BUN of 18 mg/dL indicates mild elevation, and fluid volume excess can be managed with adjustments in treatment; this client does not require immediate priority.
D. A 60-year-old client with a serum potassium of 3.2 mEq/L and heart palpitations: A potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can cause serious cardiac issues and symptoms like palpitations. This client requires urgent attention to address the potential risk of cardiac complications.

A. Muscle cramps B. Bradycardia C. Concentrated urine D. Tachycardia E. Increased thirst

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

A. Muscle cramps: Muscle cramps can occur due to electrolyte imbalances, such as low potassium, which are common in states of dehydration and fluid imbalance.
B. Bradycardia: Bradycardia is not typically associated with dehydration or fluid imbalance. Dehydration usually causes an increase in heart rate (tachycardia) as the body tries to maintain adequate circulation.
C. Concentrated urine: Concentrated urine is a common sign of dehydration as the kidneys conserve water, leading to reduced urine output and higher urine concentration.
D. Tachycardia: Tachycardia is a compensatory mechanism in response to decreased fluid volume, as the heart pumps faster to maintain adequate blood flow and blood pressure.
E. Increased thirst: Increased thirst is a natural response to dehydration as the body signals the need for more fluid intake to correct the fluid imbalance.

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An unresponsive client was brought to the emergency room and had an arterial blood gas drawn. Ten minutes later, the laboratory calls with the following results: PaO2 74%, pH 7.22, PaCO2 85 mm Hg, and HCO3 23 mEq/L. The nurse interprets the results as indicating which imbalance?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse working on a medical surgical unit is assigned four clients at the start of their shift. What client should be given the highest priority?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

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