The arterial blood gas below indicates that the primary acid-base imbalance is:
pH - 7.25
PaCO2 - 20 mm Hg
HCO3- - 10 mEq/L
Select all that apply:
Normal range:
pH = 7.35-7.45
PaCO2 = 36-44 mmHg
HCO3- = 22-26 mEq/L
Alkalosis
Respiratory
Metabolic
Acidosis
With compensation (being compensated)
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A: Alkalosis
Alkalosis refers to a condition where the blood pH is higher than the normal range (above 7.45). In this case, the pH is 7.25, which indicates an acidic environment rather than an alkaline one. Therefore, alkalosis is not the correct answer.
Choice B: Respiratory
Respiratory acidosis or alkalosis is determined by the levels of PaCO2. In respiratory acidosis, PaCO2 is elevated, while in respiratory alkalosis, PaCO2 is decreased. Here, the PaCO2 is 20 mm Hg, which is below the normal range, indicating a respiratory component. However, the primary issue is not respiratory because the HCO3- is also significantly low, pointing towards a metabolic cause.
Choice C: Metabolic
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a low HCO3- level. In this case, the pH is 7.25, and the HCO3- is 10 mEq/L, both of which are below the normal ranges. This indicates that the primary acid-base imbalance is metabolic acidosis.
Choice D: Acidosis
Acidosis refers to a condition where the blood pH is lower than the normal range (below 7.35). The given pH of 7.25 confirms that the patient is experiencing acidosis. However, this choice alone does not specify whether it is metabolic or respiratory acidosis.
Choice E: With Compensation (Being Compensated)
Compensation refers to the body’s attempt to return the pH to normal by adjusting the levels of PaCO2 or HCO3-. In this case, the low PaCO2 suggests that there is a respiratory compensation for the metabolic acidosis. However, the primary imbalance remains metabolic acidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Beta 2 Agonist Decreases Blood Pressure
Beta 2 agonists primarily cause bronchodilation and vasodilation, which can lead to a decrease in blood pressure. However, this is not their primary function, and they are more commonly associated with the relaxation of smooth muscles in the airways.
Choice B: Beta 1 Agonist Increases Blood Pressure
Beta 1 receptors are primarily located in the heart. Activation of these receptors increases heart rate and contractility, which in turn increases cardiac output and blood pressure. Therefore, beta 1 agonists are known to increase blood pressure.
Choice C: Beta 2 Agonist Reduces Blood Pressure
Similar to choice A, beta 2 agonists can cause vasodilation, which may reduce blood pressure. However, this is not their primary therapeutic use, and they are mainly used for their bronchodilatory effects.
Choice D: Beta 1 Agonist Reduces Blood Pressure
Beta 1 agonists increase heart rate and contractility, leading to an increase in blood pressure. Therefore, this statement is incorrect as beta 1 agonists do not reduce blood pressure.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Atrophy refers to the reduction in size or wasting away of an organ or tissue due to a decrease in cell size or number. It is not a type of cell death but rather a process of cell shrinkage and loss of function. Therefore, it does not directly relate to the damage caused to nearby cells.
Choice B Reason:
This is the correct answer. Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that occurs in a controlled and regulated manner. It allows for the removal of damaged or unnecessary cells without causing an inflammatory response or damage to surrounding tissues. During apoptosis, cellular components are neatly packaged into vesicles called apoptotic bodies, which are then phagocytosed by neighboring cells or immune cells, preventing the release of harmful substances.
Choice C Reason:
Necrosis is a form of traumatic cell death that results from acute cellular injury. It often leads to the uncontrolled release of cellular contents, causing inflammation and damage to surrounding tissues. This process can be detrimental to nearby cells and is generally considered more harmful than apoptosis.
Choice D Reason:
Lysis refers to the breaking down or destruction of cells, often due to external factors such as toxins, infections, or immune responses. Like necrosis, lysis can result in the release of cellular contents into the surrounding environment, leading to inflammation and damage to nearby cells.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.