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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Hypercholesterolemia: This condition primarily affects cholesterol levels and is not directly associated with phosphorus imbalances. It does not typically cause hypophosphatemia.
B. Malnutrition: This is the correct choice. Malnutrition can lead to hypophosphatemia (low serum phosphorus levels) due to inadequate dietary intake of phosphorus and impaired absorption.
C. Renal insufficiency: Renal insufficiency generally causes hyperphosphatemia (high serum phosphorus levels) due to the kidneys' reduced ability to excrete phosphate, not hypophosphatemia.
D. Hypoparathyroidism: This condition is more commonly associated with hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) rather than hypophosphatemia. In some cases, hypoparathyroidism can cause elevated phosphorus levels, but not typically hypophosphatemia.
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