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
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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a normal or low HCO3. In this case, the pH is 7.25, which is below the normal range of 7.35-7.45, and the HCO3 is 22, which is at the lower end of the normal range of 22-26 mEq/L, indicating metabolic acidosis.
Choice B reason: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a high CO2 level. However, in this scenario, the CO2 is 40, which is within the normal range of 35-45 mmHg, ruling out respiratory 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 low CO2 level and a high pH. Given that the CO2 is normal and the pH is low, respiratory alkalosis is not the condition indicated by these ABG results.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Peripheral edema is typically associated with fluid overload, not hypovolemia, which is a decreased volume of circulating blood in the body.
Choice B reason: Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not commonly associated with hypovolemia. Tachycardia, or a rapid heart rate, may occur as the body atempts to compensate for the reduced blood volume.
Choice C reason: Cyanosis, which is a bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen, is not a direct sign of hypovolemia.
Choice D reason: Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is a common finding in hypovolemia as there is less blood circulating through the body.
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