For an arterial blood gas (ABG) to have full compensation, which of the following statements is correct?
pCO2 and pHCO3 and pH are abnormal but the pa02 remains between 80-100 mmHg
arterial pH & pCO2 are abnormal but the pHCO3 is starting to change
pCO2, pHCO3 and pH have adjusted in expected range in 72 hours
arterial pH is between 7.35-7.45 and the pCO2 & pO2 are abnormal
The Correct Answer is C
C. Full compensation typically occurs within 2 to 3 days (approximately 72 hours) after the onset of an acid-base disturbance. During full compensation, the primary acid-base disorder (e.g., respiratory acidosis or alkalosis, metabolic acidosis or alkalosis) is still present, but the compensatory mechanisms have effectively brought the pH, pCO2, and bicarbonate (pHCO3) levels back towards normal range.
A. Full compensation occurs when both the primary disorder (respiratory or metabolic) and the compensatory mechanism (renal or respiratory) are functioning to return the pH towards normal. In this option, while the pO2 is within the normal range, the pH, pCO2, and bicarbonate (pHCO3) are all abnormal, indicating an ongoing imbalance.
B. Full compensation occurs when all components of the ABG are within or approaching normal range, indicating that the body's compensatory mechanisms have effectively counteracted the primary acid- base disturbance. In this option, the bicarbonate (pHCO3) is mentioned as starting to change, indicating incomplete compensation.
D. While the pH is within the normal range, both the pCO2 and pO2 are abnormal, indicating a primary respiratory disturbance. In the case of full compensation, the pH, pCO2, and bicarbonate (pHCO3) levels would all be within or approaching normal range, indicating that the compensatory mechanisms have effectively counteracted the primary acid-base disturbance.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an elevation of the bicarbonate (HCO3) levels in the blood, leading to an increase in pH above the normal range (7.35-7.45). Antacid tablets typically contain compounds such as calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, or aluminum hydroxide, which can neutralize stomach acid (hydrochloric acid). Chronic ingestion of large amounts of antacids, as in the case of this client taking approximately 15 tablets per day, can result in excessive bicarbonate intake, leading to metabolic alkalosis.
B. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is a decrease in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the blood, leading to an increase in pH above the normal range. Antacid tablets do not directly affect respiratory function or CO2 levels, so respiratory alkalosis is unlikely to occur as a result of antacid ingestion.
C. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in bicarbonate (HCO3) levels in the blood, leading to a decrease in pH below the normal range. In the context of antacid ingestion, metabolic acidosis is less likely to occur. However, if the antacids contain compounds that are absorbed systemically and excreted by the kidneys (such as aluminum-containing antacids), they may lead to renal dysfunction or electrolyte imbalances, which could potentially contribute to metabolic acidosis.
D. Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the blood, leading to a decrease in pH below the normal range. Antacid tablets do not directly affect respiratory function or CO2 levels, so respiratory acidosis is unlikely to occur as a result of antacid ingestion.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. In respiratory alkalosis, the pH is elevated (alkalotic), the PaCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) is decreased (hypocapnia), and the HCO3 (bicarbonate) level may be within normal limits or slightly decreased due to compensatory mechanisms. In this option, the pH is elevated (7.54), the PaCO2 is decreased (25), and the HCO3 level is within normal limits (24). These findings support respiratory alkalosis.
B. pH 7.50, PaCO2 40, HCO3 28: In this option, the pH is elevated (7.50), the PaCO2 is within normal limits (40), and the HCO3 level is elevated (28). These findings are not consistent with respiratory alkalosis. Instead, they suggest metabolic alkalosis, where both the pH and bicarbonate levels are elevated.
C. pH 7.35, PaCO2 35, HCO3 22: In this option, the pH is within normal limits (7.35), the PaCO2 is within normal limits (35), and the HCO3 level is within normal limits (22). These findings are not consistent with respiratory alkalosis.
D. pH 7.32. PaCO2 48, HCO3 24: In respiratory alkalosis, the pH is elevated (alkalotic), the PaCO2 is decreased (hypocapnia), and the HCO3 level may be within normal limits or slightly decreased due to compensatory mechanisms. In this option, the pH is within normal limits (7.32), the PaCO2 is elevated (48), and the HCO3 level is within normal limits (24). These findings are not consistent with respiratory alkalosis.
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