The failure of the lungs to adequately eliminate CO2 results in?

Metabolic alkalosis

Metabolic acidosis

Respiratory acidosis

Respiratory alkalosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Rationale:
A. Metabolic alkalosis is related to an excess of bicarbonate or loss of acid, not CO₂ retention.
B. Metabolic acidosis is caused by the accumulation of acids (like in renal failure or DKA), not respiratory dysfunction.
C. Respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs fail to excrete enough CO₂, leading to CO₂ retention and a decrease in blood pH. This is commonly seen in conditions like COPD, respiratory depression, or airway obstruction.
D. Respiratory alkalosis results from excessive elimination of CO₂, such as in hyperventilation, which is the opposite of what is described.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale:
A. A pH of 7.35 and pCO₂ of 42 mmHg are both within normal limits, indicating no acidosis.
B. A pH of 7.50 and pCO₂ of 28 mmHg indicate respiratory alkalosis, not acidosis.
C. A pH of 7.40 and pCO₂ of 43 mmHg are normal values, not consistent with acidosis.
D. A pH of 7.25 is acidic, and a pCO₂ of 55 mmHg is elevated, indicating respiratory acidosis, which is expected in a client with emphysema due to CO₂ retention.

A. Respiratory alkalosis B. Respiratory acidosis C. Metabolic alkalosis D. Metabolic acidosis

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Respiratory alkalosis would present with an elevated pH and decreased PaCO₂, which is not consistent with these results.
B. Respiratory acidosis is indicated by a low pH (7.20) and an elevated PaCO₂ (50 mm Hg), with a normal HCO₃⁻ (24 mEq/L), suggesting uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
C. Metabolic alkalosis would present with an increased pH and elevated HCO₃⁻.
D. Metabolic acidosis would show a low pH and low HCO₃⁻, not an elevated PaCO₂.

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The failure of the lungs to adequately eliminate CO2 results in?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing care for a client with emphysema, The nurse reviews the results of the arterial blood gases and determines the client is experiencing respiratory acidosis. The nurse would expect to find which of the following on the laboratory results?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client whose arterial blood gas results show the following results: PH: 7.2 PaCO2: 50 mm Hg HCO3: 24 mEq/L The nurse should identify the client is experiencing which of the following acid-base conditions?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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