Anna's mother has been suffering from persistent vomiting for two days now. She appears to be lethargic and weak and has myalgia. She is noted to have dry mucus membranes and her capillary refill takes >4 seconds. She is diagnosed as having gastroenteritis and dehydration. Measurement of arterial blood gas shows pH 7.5, PaO2 85 mm Hg, PaCO2 40 mm Hg, and HCO3 34 mmol/L.
What acid-base disorder is shown?
Respiratory Acidosis. Partially Compensated
Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
Respiratory Alkalosis. Uncompensated
Metabolic Alkalosis, Uncompensated
The Correct Answer is B
A. Respiratory Acidosis, both compensated and uncompensated, is characterized by an elevated PaCO2, which is not present in this case.
B. The elevated pH (7.5) and HCO3 (34 mmol/L) indicate metabolic alkalosis. The elevated pH and the slightly elevated PaCO2 (40 mm Hg) suggest the partially compensated state, which is the respiratory compensation attempting to correct the alkalosis.
C. The fact that the PaCO2 is not low rules out respiratory alkalosis.
D. The arterial blood gas values indicate a high pH (7.5), a normal PaCO2 (40 mm Hg), and an elevated HCO3 (34 mmol/L), which are indicative of metabolic alkalosis. However, the elevated pH and the slightly elevated PaCO2 (40 mm Hg) suggest a partially compensated state.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. A urine output of 50 mL in 4 hours is inadequate and may indicate decreased renal perfusion. Magnesium sulfate can further compromise renal perfusion, so this finding warrants careful evaluation and potential adjustment of the infusion rate.
B. This indicates that the client is not experiencing respiratory depression, a potential side effect of magnesium sulfate toxicity.
C. Diminished deep tendon reflexes is an expected finding in magnesium sulfate toxicity.
D. A heart rate of 56/min is below the normal range for an adult but may be a common finding in clients receiving magnesium sulfate due to its cardiac depressant effects.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Calcium supplements are not associated with peptic ulcer formation.
B. Flank pain can be a symptom of kidney stones, which can occur due to excessive calcium supplementation.
C. Pancreatitis is not typically associated with calcium supplementation.
D. Hepatitis is not typically associated with calcium supplementation.
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