If your patient has a higher than normal pH (alkalosis), you would expect to also see:
Low HCO3- and high PaCO2
Low PaCO2 and low HCO3-
Low PaCO2 and high HCO3-
High PaCO2 and high HCO3-
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because low HCO3- and high PaCO2 are signs of metabolic acidosis, not alkalosis. Metabolic acidosis is a condition where the blood pH is lower than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, due to an excess of acids or a loss of bases in the body.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because low PaCO2 and low HCO3- are signs of respiratory acidosis, not alkalosis. Respiratory acidosis is a condition where the blood pH is lower than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, due to impaired gas exchange or hypoventilation, which causes carbon dioxide to accumulate in the blood.
Choice C reason: This is correct because low PaCO2 and high HCO3- are signs of alkalosis. Alkalosis is a condition where the blood pH is higher than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, due to a loss of acids or an excess of bases in the body. There are two types of alkalosis: respiratory and metabolic. Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, which lowers the PaCO2 in the blood. Metabolic alkalosis is caused by vomiting, diuretics, or excessive intake of antacids, which raises the HCO3- in the blood.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because high PaCO2 and high HCO3- are signs of compensation, not alkalosis. Compensation is a process where the body tries to restore the normal pH by adjusting the levels of PaCO2 and HCO3- in the opposite direction of the primary disorder. For example, if the patient has metabolic alkalosis, the respiratory system will try to compensate by retaining carbon dioxide and lowering the PaCO2. If the patient has respiratory alkalosis, the renal system will try to compensate by excreting bicarbonate and lowering the HCO3-.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Panting with mouth open is not an appropriate intervention for an anxious patient with a high respiratory rate. This could increase the risk of hyperventilation and respiratory alkalosis, which could worsen the anxiety and cause symptoms such as dizziness, tingling, and muscle spasms.
Choice B reason: Sitting up is an appropriate intervention for an anxious patient with a high respiratory rate. This could help the patient relax and breathe more deeply and slowly, which could reduce the anxiety and normalize the blood gas levels.
Choice C reason: Lying down is not an appropriate intervention for an anxious patient with a high respiratory rate. This could make the patient feel more claustrophobic and increase the anxiety and the respiratory rate.
Choice D reason: Breathing through a re-breather mask is not an appropriate intervention for an anxious patient with a high respiratory rate. This could increase the oxygen concentration in the blood, which could reduce the stimulus for breathing and cause respiratory depression.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, which lowers the carbon dioxide levels in the blood and raises the pH. This is not likely to occur in a client with a nasogastric tube on low suction.
Choice B reason: Metabolic acidosis is caused by an excess of acids or a loss of bases in the body, which lowers the pH. This can occur in conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure, or diarrhea. This is not likely to occur in a client with a nasogastric tube on low suction.
Choice C reason: Respiratory acidosis is caused by hypoventilation, which raises the carbon dioxide levels in the blood and lowers the pH. This can occur in conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, or sedative overdose. This is not likely to occur in a client with a nasogastric tube on low suction.
Choice D reason: Metabolic alkalosis is caused by a loss of acids or an excess of bases in the body, which raises the pH. This can occur in conditions such as vomiting, gastric suction, or diuretic use. This is the most likely acid-base disorder to occur in a client with a nasogastric tube on low suction, as the tube removes gastric acid from the stomach.
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