Exhibits
Complete the following sentence by choosing from the lists of options.
A pH level of ________ and bicarbonate (HCO3-) level of________indicate a resolution of ketoacidosis.
pH 7.25 and HCO₃⁻ 18 mEq/L
pH 7.30 and HCO₃⁻ 20 mEq/L
pH 7.38 and HCO₃⁻ 24 mEq/L
pH 7.20 and HCO₃⁻ 15 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is C
A. pH 7.25 and HCO₃⁻ 18 mEq/L. A pH of 7.25 is still acidotic, and a bicarbonate level of 18 mEq/L is below the normal range (22–26 mEq/L), indicating persistent metabolic acidosis. This suggests that ketoacidosis is not fully resolved, requiring continued insulin therapy, hydration, and electrolyte management.
B. pH 7.30 and HCO₃⁻ 20 mEq/L. While this shows partial improvement, the pH remains below 7.35, indicating ongoing mild acidosis. The bicarbonate level is still below normal, suggesting that buffering capacity is not yet fully restored. Additional treatment is required to completely normalize acid-base balance.
C. pH 7.38 and HCO₃⁻ 24 mEq/L. A pH of 7.38 falls within the normal range (7.35–7.45), indicating that acidosis has resolved. The bicarbonate level of 24 mEq/L is within normal limits, confirming that the body’s buffering system has been restored. These values suggest that ketoacidosis has resolved, and treatment has been effective.
D. pH 7.20 and HCO₃⁻ 15 mEq/L. A pH of 7.20 indicates severe metabolic acidosis, and a bicarbonate level of 15 mEq/L shows a significant loss of buffering capacity. These values suggest uncontrolled DKA or worsening acidosis, requiring urgent intervention with continued insulin therapy, fluid resuscitation, and electrolyte replacement.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Respirations are shallow, labored, and 14 breaths/minute. A C5 spinal cord injury can impair diaphragmatic function and respiratory effort, leading to respiratory failure. Shallow and labored breathing suggests that the client is experiencing respiratory compromise, which can quickly progress to hypoventilation, hypoxia, and respiratory arrest. Immediate intervention, such as assisted ventilation or intubation, may be necessary to maintain adequate oxygenation and prevent further complications.
B. Has flaccid upper and lower extremities. Flaccid paralysis is an expected finding immediately after a high spinal cord injury due to spinal shock. While this condition requires ongoing monitoring, it is not an immediate life-threatening emergency like respiratory distress.
C. Blood pressure is 110/70 mm Hg and the apical heart rate is 68 beats/minute. These vital signs are within normal limits and do not indicate hemodynamic instability. Neurogenic shock, which can occur with high spinal injuries, typically presents with hypotension and bradycardia, but this client’s current BP and HR are stable.
D. Is unable to feel sensation in the arms and hands. Loss of sensation is expected with a cervical spinal cord injury due to nerve pathway disruption. While this finding is significant, it does not require immediate intervention compared to respiratory distress, which is the most urgent priority.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Narrowed pulse pressure, presence of 3+ femoral pulses, apneic episodes. Narrowed pulse pressure is consistent with hypovolemic shock, but 3+ femoral pulses are not expected, as shock leads to weak, thready pulses due to reduced perfusion. Apneic episodes typically occur in the late stages of shock, not in the early or progressive stages.
B. Widening pulse pressure, muffled heart sounds, presence of atrial gallop. A widening pulse pressure and muffled heart sounds are more indicative of cardiac tamponade, not hypovolemic shock. Hypovolemic shock is characterized by a narrowing pulse pressure due to a drop in systolic blood pressure while diastolic pressure remains relatively stable.
C. Increased heart rate, lowered systolic reading, peripheral extremity mottling. Tachycardia is an early compensatory response to hypovolemia as the body attempts to maintain cardiac output. As shock progresses, systolic blood pressure drops due to inadequate circulating volume. Peripheral extremity mottling occurs as the body shunts blood to vital organs, reducing perfusion to the skin. These signs are characteristic of progressive hypovolemic shock.
D. Irregular heart rate, elevated diastolic reading, increased respiratory rate. An irregular heart rate is not a primary indicator of hypovolemic shock. While respiratory rate increases in response to decreased oxygen delivery, an elevated diastolic reading is uncommon, as diastolic pressure tends to stay stable or decrease slightly with ongoing hypovolemia.
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