If a patient began vomiting and continued to do so for several hours, the nurse is aware that this loss of stomach contents can result in:
metabolic alkalosis
respiratory alkalosis
respiratory acidosis
metabolic acidosis
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Metabolic alkalosis occurs because vomiting causes loss of gastric hydrochloric acid (HCl), reducing hydrogen ions in the body and increasing blood pH. This is the most common acid-base imbalance associated with prolonged vomiting.
B. Respiratory alkalosis results from excessive loss of CO₂ due to hyperventilation, unrelated to vomiting.
C. Respiratory acidosis results from hypoventilation causing CO₂ retention; vomiting does not cause this.
D. Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is a loss of bicarbonate or accumulation of acids, such as in diarrhea or ketoacidosis, not typically from vomiting.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Respiratory alkalosis results from hyperventilation, which is unlikely with opioid overdose.
B. Metabolic acidosis can occur from other causes but is not the primary imbalance here.
C. Metabolic alkalosis is not associated with opioid overdose.
D. Respiratory acidosis occurs due to hypoventilation caused by opioid-induced respiratory depression, leading to CO₂ retention and decreased pH.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Bronchoscopy allows for direct visualization of the airways and may be used for sampling or clearing secretions but does not assess acid-base balance.
B. Pulmonary function tests evaluate lung volume and airflow but are not specific to acid-base status.
C. Pulse oximetry measures oxygen saturation, which reflects oxygenation but not CO₂ levels or pH status.
D. Arterial blood gases (ABGs) are the most accurate test for evaluating acid-base balance, as they provide values for pH, PaCO₂, HCO₃⁻, and PaO₂ — essential indicators in COPD management.
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