Which finding will the nurse expect in a patient who is hospitalized with stage I Hodgkin lymphoma?

Choice A rationale:

Metabolic acidosis is characterized by low blood pH and low bicarbonate ion levels. The patient's bicarbonate ion level (24 mEq/L) is within the normal range, and the low pH (7.32) and elevated PaCO2 (56 mm Hg) indicate respiratory acidosis, not metabolic acidosis.

Choice B rationale:

Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by high blood pH and high bicarbonate ion levels. The patient's pH is low (7.32), and the bicarbonate ion level (24 mEq/L) is within the normal range, indicating respiratory acidosis rather than metabolic alkalosis.

Choice C rationale:

Respiratory acidosis is characterized by low blood pH and high PaCO2 levels. In this case, the patient has a low pH (7.32) and elevated PaCO2 (56 mm Hg), indicating respiratory acidosis. The bicarbonate ion level (24 mEq/L) is a compensatory response. Respiratory alkalosis would present with high pH and low PaCO2 levels.

Choice D rationale:

Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by high blood pH and low PaCO2 levels. The patient's PaCO2 level is elevated (56 mm Hg), indicating respiratory acidosis, not alkalosis. The low pH (7.32) further supports the diagnosis of respiratory acidosis.

Choice A rationale:

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation, sleep, and other functions in the body. It is not a component that forms an adhesive bridge between platelets and vascular subendothelial structures in the clotting process.

Choice B rationale:

Platelet factor III is not a component that forms an adhesive bridge between platelets and vascular subendothelial structures in the clotting process. Platelet factor III is not widely recognized in the context of clotting; it is more commonly referred to as tissue factor and is involved in the extrinsic pathway of coagulation.

Choice C rationale:

Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a protein that plays a crucial role in hemostasis. It forms an adhesive bridge between platelets and vascular subendothelial structures, particularly at sites of vascular injury. VWF helps platelets adhere to the injured vessel wall, leading to the formation of a stable blood clot. This process is essential for preventing excessive bleeding. A deficiency or dysfunction in VWF can lead to von Willebrand disease, a bleeding disorder characterized by prolonged bleeding times.

Choice D rationale:

Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) is a molecule released by platelets when they are activated. ADP helps in the aggregation of platelets, but it does not directly form an adhesive bridge between platelets and vascular subendothelial structures.