Exhibits
Based on the client's diagnosis, which results does the nurse expect in the blood gas? Select all that apply
Low partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2)
Low lactic acid
Low pH
Low bicarbonate (HCO3-)
High partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2)
Correct Answer : C,D
A. Low PaO2. Clients with DKA do not typically have significant hypoxemia unless there is concurrent respiratory compromise. The primary issue in DKA is metabolic acidosis rather than oxygenation.
B. Low lactic acid. Lactic acidosis is not a hallmark of DKA. Instead, DKA is characterized by ketone production from fatty acid metabolism. Elevated lactic acid is more common in conditions like sepsis or tissue hypoxia.
C. Low pH. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) causes metabolic acidosis due to the accumulation of ketone bodies, leading to a pH below 7.35. The absence of insulin results in unregulated lipolysis and ketogenesis, significantly lowering blood pH.
D. Low bicarbonate (HCO3-). In metabolic acidosis, bicarbonate acts as a buffer and gets depleted while neutralizing excess acids. Clients with DKA typically have a bicarbonate level below 18 mEq/L (18 mmol/L), confirming metabolic acidosis.
E. High PaCO2. In metabolic acidosis, respiratory compensation leads to hyperventilation (Kussmaul respirations), causing PaCO2 to decrease as the body attempts to blow off excess CO2 to normalize pH.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Determine patellar tendon reflex response. The patellar reflex (knee jerk) assesses function of the L2-L4 spinal nerves, which are below the level of injury (C8-T1) and do not provide information about upper extremity function. While deep tendon reflexes are important, they do not help assess function at the suspected injury level.
B. Check the urinary bladder for distention. Bladder function is controlled by the sacral spinal nerves (S2-S4), which are much lower than the injury level. While bladder dysfunction is common in spinal cord injuries, it does not assess C8-T1 nerve function specifically.
C. Ask the client to grasp an object or form a fist. The C8 and T1 spinal nerves control hand and finger movements, including grip strength. Testing the client’s ability to grasp an object or form a fist helps assess fine motor function and nerve integrity at the injury level. This is the most appropriate way to determine function in the lower cervical and upper thoracic spinal nerves.
D. Apply resistance while the client lifts the legs. Leg movement is controlled by the lumbar and sacral spinal nerves (L2-S2), which are below the injury level. Assessing leg strength does not provide relevant information about C8-T1 function.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. View the rhythm in another chest lead. While verifying the rhythm in another lead may help confirm the accuracy of the monitor, it does not address the immediate absence of a pulse and respirations. The client is in pulseless electrical activity (PEA), which requires immediate intervention rather than rhythm verification.
B. Begin chest compressions at a rate of 120 times a minute. The client has no palpable carotid pulse and no spontaneous respirations despite a sinus rhythm on the monitor, indicating pulseless electrical activity (PEA). PEA is a form of cardiac arrest where the heart shows electrical activity but fails to generate effective circulation. Immediate high-quality chest compressions are essential to maintain perfusion while addressing the underlying cause, such as hypovolemia or tension pneumothorax.
C. Auscultate all chest fields for muffled lung sounds. While assessing for muffled lung sounds may help detect conditions such as tension pneumothorax or hemothorax, it should not delay the initiation of CPR. Once compressions are started, the underlying cause of PEA can be investigated.
D. Observe for swelling at the fracture site. Swelling at the fracture site may indicate bleeding or compartment syndrome, but assessing the fracture should not take priority over initiating CPR. If hemorrhage is suspected as a cause of PEA, rapid fluid resuscitation should be initiated after starting chest compressions.
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