Exhibits
Drag one condition and one client finding to complete the sentence(s). Based on the ABG values, the nurse knows that the client has
The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"B","dropdown-group-2":"D"}
- Compensated respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs retain CO₂, causing acidosis, but the kidneys compensate by increasing bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) levels. In this case, the pH is low, and the PaCO₂ is within normal limits, which does not indicate a respiratory issue or compensation. Compensation would require an elevated HCO₃⁻, which is not provided in the lab results.
- Compensated metabolic acidosis would require a low pH with a decreased PaCO₂, as the respiratory system compensates by increasing ventilation (hyperventilation) to "blow off" CO₂. Since the PaCO₂ in this case is within normal limits, no significant respiratory compensation has occurred yet, making this uncompensated metabolic acidosis instead.
- Uncompensated respiratory acidosis would present with a low pH and an elevated PaCO₂ (>45 mmHg) due to inadequate ventilation and CO₂ retention. Since the PaCO₂ here is 37 mmHg (within normal range), respiratory acidosis is unlikely. The metabolic component, rather than a respiratory problem, is driving the acidosis.
- Uncompensated metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (7.23) and a normal PaCO₂ (37 mmHg), indicating a primary metabolic problem without sufficient respiratory compensation. In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the lack of insulin results in fat breakdown and ketone production, leading to a drop in pH and metabolic acidosis. This client likely has DKA due to their history of type 1 diabetes and the lack of insulin administration.
- Kussmaul respirations are a compensatory response to metabolic acidosis, seen in conditions like DKA. However, they do not cause acidosis; instead, they are the body's attempt to correct it by exhaling CO₂. Since the ABG shows normal PaCO₂, there is no strong evidence of hyperventilation, suggesting compensation has not yet occurred.
- Starvation can lead to ketoacidosis due to prolonged fasting and fat metabolism, producing ketones. However, in type 1 diabetes, the primary issue is no insulin production, not caloric deprivation. The severity of metabolic acidosis in this client is more likely due to insulin deficiency rather than starvation.
- Tissue hypoxia leads to lactic acidosis, which results from anaerobic metabolism. This can be seen in conditions like sepsis or shock. However, in this case, the client has type 1 diabetes, and the more likely cause of acidosis is ketoacidosis due to insulin deficiency rather than hypoxia.
- A lack of insulin in type 1 diabetes prevents glucose uptake, forcing the body to break down fat, leading to ketone formation and metabolic acidosis. This matches the clinical scenario of a patient with a history of type 1 diabetes, hyperglycemia >500 mg/dL, and metabolic acidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Prepare to give phenytoin IV as prescribed. Phenytoin is used for seizure prophylaxis in clients with moderate to severe head injuries (GCS ≤ 8–10). A GCS score of 14 indicates mild head injury, and prophylactic anticonvulsants may not be necessary unless ordered for specific risk factors.
B. Perform a substernal rub to evoke a response to pain. A substernal rub (painful stimulus) is used to assess response in unconscious or unresponsive clients (GCS ≤ 8). With a GCS of 14, the client is alert or nearly fully conscious, making a painful stimulus unnecessary and inappropriate.
C. Promptly notify the healthcare provider (HCP) of the GCS score. A GCS of 14 is not a critical or emergency finding, as it indicates mild neurological impairment. While the HCP should be updated on significant changes, routine monitoring is sufficient unless deterioration occurs.
D. Continue monitoring the client's GCS score every 2 hours. Frequent neurological assessments are crucial in head injury management to detect worsening conditions like increasing intracranial pressure (ICP) or cerebral edema. Monitoring the GCS every 2 hours ensures timely intervention if the client’s condition changes.
Correct Answer is ["C","E","F"]
Explanation
A. White blood cell differential. Although infection is a common precipitating factor for DKA, an elevated WBC count is common in DKA due to stress, dehydration, and inflammation rather than infection itself. While a WBC differential may be done if infection is suspected, it is not a primary test for DKA management.
B. Hemoglobin A1C. Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) reflects long-term glucose control (past 2-3 months) but does not provide immediate information about the current metabolic status or severity of DKA. While it may be useful in assessing overall diabetes management, it is not essential for acute DKA treatment.
C. Serum electrolytes. Patients with DKA experience significant electrolyte imbalances, particularly potassium depletion due to osmotic diuresis and insulin deficiency. Monitoring serum sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate is crucial for guiding fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy. Potassium levels may appear normal or high initially due to acidosis but typically drop with insulin administration.
D. Urine culture. A urine culture is only indicated if a urinary tract infection (UTI) is suspected as a trigger for DKA. However, routine urine culture is not required in every case of DKA unless there are symptoms of infection such as fever, dysuria, or pyuria.
E. Anion gap. DKA is a form of high anion gap metabolic acidosis, caused by the accumulation of ketones. The anion gap (AG) is calculated as (Na⁺ - [Cl⁻ + HCO₃⁻]), with a value >12 mEq/L indicating metabolic acidosis. Monitoring the anion gap helps assess the severity of acidosis and guide treatment progress, as a decreasing anion gap suggests resolution of ketosis.
F. Urine ketones. Urine ketone testing helps confirm the presence of ketoacidosis, particularly in the initial stages of DKA diagnosis. While serum beta-hydroxybutyrate is a more accurate indicator of ketone levels, urine ketones remain useful for initial screening and monitoring treatment response as they decrease with appropriate management.
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