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 D
Explanation
A. Furosemide use is more commonly associated with hyponatremia rather than hypernatremia due to its diuretic effect.
B. Furosemide does not typically cause hypercalcemia; instead, it may lead to hypocalcemia.
C. Hyperchloremia is not a primary concern with furosemide, as the drug can cause a loss of chloride ions alongside sodium.
D. Furosemide can cause an increase in uric acid levels by reducing its excretion through the kidneys.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Creatinine levels rise in acute kidney injury due to impaired kidney function, as the kidneys are unable to effectively filter creatinine from the blood.
B. BUN (blood urea nitrogen) levels typically increase in dehydration due to reduced kidney perfusion, leading to decreased urine output and increased concentration of waste products in the blood.
C. Specific gravity increases in hypovolemia because urine becomes more concentrated as the body tries to conserve water.
D. Potassium levels may vary depending on the cause of polyuria, but polyuria itself does not necessarily cause hyperkalemia. It can be caused by various factors including diabetes insipidus or diabetes mellitus.
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