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 C

Explanation

A. Calcium: Thiazide diuretics can increase calcium levels, but the primary concern is the potential loss of potassium.
B. Selenium: This is not directly related to thiazide diuretic therapy and does not address the primary electrolyte imbalance.
C. Potassium: This is the correct choice. Thiazide diuretics can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Encouraging potassium-rich foods helps to counteract this side effect.
D. Bicarbonate: While bicarbonate can be important for acid-base balance, it is not the primary concern with thiazide diuretics, which typically affect potassium levels.

A. Discontinue the intravenous line B. Complete an incident report C. Start a new IV in the right hand D. Place a warm compress over the site E. The correct answer is A.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Discontinue the intravenous line: The presence of tenderness and a red streak suggests phlebitis or possibly an early sign of infection. The first and most important step is to discontinue the IV line to prevent further irritation or infection.
B. Complete an incident report: While documentation is important, it is not the first action to take. Immediate attention should be given to the client’s physical condition before completing any paperwork.
C. Start a new IV in the right hand: While starting a new IV is necessary for continued therapy, the first action should be to remove the current IV line to prevent further complications. Starting a new IV can be done immediately afterward.
D. Place a warm compress over the site: A warm compress can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, but the priority action is to discontinue the IV line to stop further damage or infection.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The client has received IV solution for three (3) days through a 20-gauge IV catheter placed in the left hand. On morning rounds, the nurse notes the IV site is tender to palpation and a red streak has formed. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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?

A home health nurse is assessing a client receiving TPN infusion for malabsorption after extensive bowel surgery. What finding is most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider?

The nurse is taking a medication history of a client scheduled for surgery the next morning. Which medication requires the nurse to immediately notify the surgeon?

A client with dry skin and mucous membranes is weak, has orthostatic blood pressure changes, and has decreased urine output. The serum osmolality is 290 mOsm/kg. What IV fluid should the nurse anticipate being prescribed for this client?

Which assessment data indicate the postoperative client who had spinal anesthesia is suffering a complication of the anesthesia?

During a preoperative review of systems, the client reveals a history of renal disease. This finding suggests the need for which relevant preoperative diagnostic tests?