Arterial blood gas levels are obtained for the client. If the client's results are pH 7.48, pCo2 42mmHg, and HCO3 32 mEq/L, the client is exhibiting which one of the following acid-base imbalances?

Metabolic alkalosis

Respiratory acidosis

Metabolic acidosis

Respiratory alkalosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Rationale:
A. pH: 7.48 is elevated (normal: 7.35–7.45). This indicates alkalosis. pCO₂: 42 mm Hg is normal (normal: 35–45 mm Hg). HCO₃⁻: 32 mEq/L is elevated (normal: 22–26 mEq/L) hence pointing towards a primary metabolic cause. Since the pH is high and the HCO₃⁻ is also high, with a normal pCO₂, this is clearly a case of metabolic alkalosis.

B. Respiratory acidosis would have low pH and high pCO₂.
C. Metabolic acidosis would have low pH and low HCO₃⁻.
D. Respiratory alkalosis would have high pH and low pCO.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Respiratory acidosis results from hypoventilation (respiratory rate of 6 breaths/min), leading to CO₂ retention and decreased blood pH. Cyanosis also indicates poor oxygenation, supporting this diagnosis.
B. Metabolic acidosis typically results from renal failure, diarrhea, or diabetic ketoacidosis, not directly from low respiratory rate.
C. Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, not hypoventilation.
D. Metabolic alkalosis is usually caused by vomiting or diuretic use and is not associated with decreased respiratory rate or cyanosis.

A. Metabolic acidosis B. Metabolic alkalosis C. Respiratory acidosis D. Respiratory alkalosis

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by Kussmaul respirations (deep and rapid breathing), but not typically lightheadedness or paresthesias.
B. Metabolic alkalosis often presents with hypoventilation as the body tries to retain CO₂, not hyperventilation.
C. Respiratory acidosis results from hypoventilation, leading to CO₂ retention, not the excessive breathing seen in this case.
D. Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, which leads to excessive loss of CO₂, resulting in symptoms such as lightheadedness, confusion, paresthesias, and blurred vision — all present in this client.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Arterial blood gas levels are obtained for the client. If the client's results are pH 7.48, pCo2 42mmHg, and HCO3 32 mEq/L, the client is exhibiting which one of the following acid-base imbalances?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse admits an older adult to the ED and notes that the client is cyanotic and has a respiratory rate of 6 breaths/min. Which acid-base imbalance should the nurse associate with this finding?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is assisting with the admission of a client who is hyperventilating, reports lightheadedness and paresthesias, has blurred vision, and a new onset of confusion. The nurse should suspect that the client has developed which of the following imbalances?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has acute kidney injury. The client's ABGS are: PH: 7.26 PaCO: 30 mm Hg HCO3: 14 mEq/L Which of the following acid-imbalances should the nurse identify the client is experiencing?

The physician orders vancomycin 2gm in 500mL of 0.9% N$ to infuse over 4 hours. Calculate the flow rate in milliliters per hour. Round to the nearest whole number.

The regulatory system of acid-base balance takes the longest time to respond, and regulates the pH of extracellular fluid (ECF) by eliminating hydrogen ions or bicarbonate in body fluids?

A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has a new prescription for spironolactone. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor for this client?

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has hypokalemia as a result of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

The nurse can record that the compensatory mechanism for the correction of metabolic acidosis is in effect when the nurse observes?

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has dehydration. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse prepares to interpret the ABG values of a client diagnosed with an acid-base imbalance. Which values are most important for the nurse to consider? (Select 4 options that apply.)