The client has just returned from OR with respirations of 8 per minute. What set of ABG's would the nurse expect to see?
pH 7.30. PaCO2 38 P02 92, HCO3 15
pH 7.32. PaCO2 56, PO2 84, HCO3 26
pH 7.37. PaCO2:45, PO2 91, HCO3 24
pH 7.48. PaCO2 32, PO2 94. HCO3 22
The Correct Answer is B
A. pH 7.30, PaCO₂ 38, HCO₃ 15: Metabolic acidosis (low HCO₃, normal PaCO₂).
B. pH 7.32, PaCO₂ 56, PO₂ 84, HCO₃ 26: The client has respirations of 8/min, which indicates hypoventilation → CO₂ retention → respiratory acidosis. pH 7.32 indicates acidosis. PaCO₂ 56 mmHg - Elevated CO₂ (hypercapnia), confirming respiratory acidosis. HCO₃ 26- Normal bicarbonate suggests that compensation has not yet occurred
C. pH 7.37, PaCO₂ 45, HCO₃ 24: Normal ABG values.
D. pH 7.48, PaCO₂ 32, HCO₃ 22: Respiratory alkalosis (low PaCO₂ due to hyperventilation, not hypoventilation).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Cardiac arrest: Cardiac arrest is a complication of severe hypothermia, not a risk factor.
B. Falling through the ice: Major risk factor for accidental hypothermia due to immersion in cold water.
C. Head trauma: Impaired thermoregulation in the brainstem can cause hypothermia.
D. Drug use: Certain drugs (e.g., alcohol, sedatives) impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature, increasing hypothermia risk.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Place the client on seizure precautions: Metabolic alkalosis can cause neuromuscular excitability, increasing the risk of seizures.
B. Encourage the client to breathe slowly: Slow breathing retains CO₂, which worsens alkalosis. The body needs hypoventilation, but this cannot be forced.
C. Plan to administer sodium bicarbonate to the client: Sodium bicarbonate worsens alkalosis and is only used in metabolic acidosis, not alkalosis.
D. Have the client breathe into a paper bag: This is a treatment for respiratory alkalosis, not metabolic alkalosis.
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