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 C
Explanation
A. Suture removal kit. A suture removal kit is used when the chest tube is ready for removal, but it is not necessary to keep at the bedside during routine chest tube management. The priority is ensuring emergency supplies are available if the tube becomes dislodged.
B. Suction catheter. A suction catheter is used to remove secretions from the airway but is not essential for managing a chest tube. Chest drainage systems function independently to remove air or fluid, and routine suctioning is not required for chest tube management.
C. Sterile gauze dressing. If the chest tube accidentally dislodges, an occlusive dressing (such as sterile gauze with petroleum jelly) should be applied immediately to prevent air from re-entering the pleural space, which could lead to a tension pneumothorax. Keeping sterile gauze at the bedside ensures rapid intervention in case of accidental chest tube removal.
D. Sterile piston syringe. A sterile piston syringe is used for irrigating wounds or suctioning secretions, but it is not necessary for chest tube management. The closed drainage system should never be manually flushed unless specifically ordered by a healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Suction subglottic area above the ETT cuff before entering the ETT. While subglottic suctioning helps prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) by removing pooled secretions, it does not directly improve oxygenation during deep endotracheal suctioning. The priority is to optimize oxygenation before and after suctioning.
B. Use the ventilator settings to stack breaths prior to suctioning. Pre-oxygenating the client by delivering additional breaths via the ventilator helps prevent hypoxia during suctioning. Closed suction systems momentarily interrupt airflow, which can lead to oxygen desaturation. Providing 100% FiO₂ for 30–60 seconds before suctioning helps ensure adequate oxygenation and reduces complications.
C. Rinse suction catheters with normal saline between each suction pass. Flushing the catheter keeps it clean and patent, but it does not enhance oxygenation. Normal saline instillation before suctioning is not recommended, as it can increase infection risk and worsen secretion mobilization.
D. Suction for 30 seconds with each pass of the suction catheter. Prolonged suctioning can cause severe hypoxia, bradycardia, and airway trauma. Suction passes should be limited to 10–15 seconds to minimize complications. If additional suctioning is needed, the client should be reoxygenated between passes.
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