Ms. Jackson has been suffering from persistent vomiting for two days. She appears to be lethargic and weak and has myalgia. She is noted to have dry mucous membranes and her capillary refill time takes more than 4 seconds. She is diagnosed with gastroenteritis and dehydration. Measurement of arterial blood gas shows pH 7.5, PaO2 85 mm Hg, PaCO2 40 mm Hg, and HCO3 34 mmol/L. What acid base disorder is shown?
Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated
Metabolic Alkalosis, Uncompensated
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect. Partial compensation would typically involve a change in PaCO2 to counterbalance the elevated bicarbonate, which is not observed here.
Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect. Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH and an elevated PaCO2, which is not consistent with the given values.
Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect. Respiratory alkalosis would present with a low PaCO2 due to hyperventilation, which is not the case here.
Choice D reason: This is the correct choice. The elevated pH and HCO3 with a normal PaCO2 indicate metabolic alkalosis without respiratory compensation. Persistent vomiting can lead to loss of stomach acid, which causes metabolic alkalosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Sleepy, but arousing when the name is called
Feeling sleepy after receiving morphine is a common side effect. However, the fact that the client can be aroused when their name is called suggests that this is not necessarily an adverse effect.
The nurse should continue monitoring the client but may not consider this as a significant adverse reaction.
Choice B: Pain level of 6 on a scale from 0 to 10
Pain relief is one of the intended effects of morphine. Therefore, experiencing pain reduction is not an adverse effect.
The nurse would likely view this as a positive response to the medication.
Choice C: Respiratory rate of 8/min
A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute is significantly low and indicates respiratory depression, which is a serious adverse effect of morphine.
The nurse should be concerned about this finding and take appropriate action.
Choice D: SaO2 94%
An oxygen saturation (SaO2) level of 94% is within the normal range (usually 95% or higher). It is unlikely to be directly related to morphine administration.
While this value is not concerning, the nurse should continue monitoring the client's oxygen saturation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Assessing the cranial nerves is important, but it is not the immediate next step after implementing droplet precautions for suspected bacterial meningitis.
Choice B reason: Decreasing environmental stimuli can help reduce the risk of seizures and is a supportive measure for a patient with suspected bacterial meningitis.
Choice C reason: Closing the room is part of implementing droplet precautions but is not an action that needs to be initiated by the nurse as it should already be in place.
Choice D reason: Administering an antipyretic may be necessary if the patient has a fever, but it is not the immediate next action after droplet precautions.
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