Based on the ABG results: pH 7.33, CO2: 50, HCO3: 22, what acid-base imbalance is present?

Respiratory acidosis

Metabolic acidosis

Metabolic alkalosis

Respiratory alkalosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Respiratory acidosis is indicated by a pH lower than the normal range (7.35-7.45), combined with a CO2 level higher than the normal range (35-45 mmHg). In this scenario, the pH is 7.33, which is slightly acidic, and the CO2 is 50, which is elevated, suggesting that the lungs are not adequately removing CO2.

Choice B reason: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a low HCO3 level. However, in this case, the HCO3 is normal (22-26 mEq/L), ruling out metabolic acidosis.

Choice C reason: Metabolic alkalosis would present with a high pH and a high HCO3 level. Since the pH is low, metabolic alkalosis is not the correct answer.

Choice D reason: Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and a low CO2 level. Given that the pH is low and the CO2 is high, respiratory alkalosis is not the condition indicated by these ABG results.

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

Choice A reason: Hyperventilation is a compensatory mechanism in metabolic acidosis where the body tries to decrease carbon dioxide levels to balance the acidity.

Choice B reason: Cold, clammy skin is not a typical manifestation of metabolic acidosis; it may be associated with shock or hypoglycemia.

Choice C reason: Increased blood pressure is not directly related to metabolic acidosis. It can be inﬂuenced by various factors, including stress or other underlying conditions.

Choice D reason: Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not a common manifestation of metabolic acidosis. Tachycardia, or a fast heart rate, might be observed instead.

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

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and a high HCO3 level, which is not present in this scenario.

Choice B reason: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a high PaCO2 and a low pH. Although the pH is low here, the PaCO2 is also low, ruling out respiratory acidosis.

Choice C reason: Metabolic acidosis is indicated by a low pH and a low HCO3 level, which aligns with the patient's ABG results.

Choice D reason: Respiratory alkalosis would present with a high pH and a low PaCO2, which is not the case here.

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

Based on the ABG results: pH 7.33, CO2: 50, HCO3: 22, what acid-base imbalance is present?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is collecting data from a patient who has alcohol use disorder and is experiencing metabolic acidosis. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a patient who has acute kidney injury. The patient's ABG results are: pH: 7.26 PaCO2: 30 mm Hg HCO3: 14 mEq/L Which of the following acid-base imbalances should the nurse identify the patient is experiencing?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing the medical history of a patient who is preoperative for surgery. Which of the following findings places the patient at risk for a postoperative complication?

A nurse is caring for a patient who is to undergo a total knee arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when participating in the informed consent process?

A nurse is providing preoperative teaching to a client who is undergoing total hip replacement surgery. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

A patient is one day postoperative following an open thoracotomy. The patient is receiving oxygen mist at 40% by Venturi mask. The patient's ABG results are: pH 7.31, PaO2 93 mm Hg, PaCO2 50 mm Hg, HCO3 25 mEq/L. Which of the following is an appropriate action for the nurse?

A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about the adverse eﬀects of medications. The nurse should include that which of the following medications can cause constipation?

A nurse is assisting with the care of a patient who has hypocalcemia. For which of the following signs should the nurse monitor?

A nurse reviewing the medical record of a patient who has metabolic acidosis should realize that which of the following findings contributes to the development of metabolic acidosis?

A nurse is caring for a patient during the immediate postoperative period following major abdominal surgery. When administering an opioid analgesic for pain, the nurse should explain that the medication may have which of the following eﬀects?