Interpret the following ABG: pH 7.49, pCo2 30 mmHg, HCO3 23 Meq/L. PaO2 96 mmHg. SaO2 98%

respiratory alkalosis

metabolic alkalosis

respiratory acidosis.

metabolic acidosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Rationale:

A. pH: 7.49 is elevated (normal range: 7.35–7.45), indicating alkalosis. PaCO₂: 30 mmHg is low (normal range: 35–45 mmHg), reflecting respiratory alkalosis. HCO₃⁻: 23 mEq/L is normal (normal range: 22–26 mEq/L) → Not a metabolic cause. PaO₂: 96 mmHg and SaO₂: 98% indicates normal oxygenation. Since the pH is high (alkalotic), and the PaCO₂ is low (respiratory alkalosis cause), and HCO₃⁻ is normal, the imbalance is uncompensated respiratory alkalosis

B. Metabolic alkalosis would show high pH and high HCO₃⁻

C. Respiratory acidosis would show low pH and high PaCO₂

D. Metabolic acidosis would show low pH and low HCO₃⁻

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Sodium bicarbonate may be used to correct acidosis, but oxygenation must be addressed first to prevent further deterioration.
B. The first priority is to improve oxygenation. Administering oxygen by mask or nasal cannula is the most immediate and effective way to increase PaO₂ and support respiratory function.
C. A paper bag is used for respiratory alkalosis, not acidosis—it would worsen hypoxemia.
D. Glucose and insulin are used for hyperkalemia, which is not the current priority.

A. Weak, irregular pulse B. Hyperactive reflexes C. Extreme thirst D. Hyperactive bowel sounds

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Rationale:
A.Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) affects muscle and cardiac function. A weak, irregular pulse is a classic sign due to the impact on cardiac muscle excitability.
B. Hypokalemia typically causes hypoactive (not hyperactive) reflexes due to reduced neuromuscular excitability.
C. While dehydration may cause thirst, extreme thirst is more commonly associated with hypernatremia or diabetes mellitus.
D. Hypokalemia is more likely to cause hypoactive bowel sounds due to decreased gastrointestinal motility, not hyperactivity.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Interpret the following ABG: pH 7.49, pCo2 30 mmHg, HCO3 23 Meq/L. PaO2 96 mmHg. SaO2 98%

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has just experienced a 90-second tonic-clonic seizure. The arterial blood gas values are pH 6.88, PaO2 50 mmHg PaCO2 60 mmHg, and HCO3 22mEq/L. Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has hypokalemia as a result of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is aware that the compensating mechanism, that is most likely to occur in the presence of respiratory acidosis is:

A nurse is caring for a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and documents that the client is experiencing Kussmaul respirations. Based on this documentation, which of the following did the nurse most likely observe?

. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has metabolic acidosis. The nurse should realize that which of the following findings contributes to the development of metabolic acidosis?

The physician orders Phenergan 12.5mg supp rectally NOW for nausea and vomiting. Available is Phenergan 25mg supp. How many suppositories will the nurse administer?

The nurse is caring for a client with a critically high potassium level. The client has received sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate). The nurse determines the medication's effectiveness if the client's repeat serum potassium level is:

A nurse is caring for four clients who have drainage tubes, The nurse should identify the client who has which of the following tubes as being at risk for hypokalemia?

The physician has ordered 1 amp of sodium bicarbonate to be added to the client's IVF. The parents of the client want to know what this drug is used for. The student nurse tells the parents that this is commonly given to: