The nurse can record that the compensatory mechanism for the correction of metabolic acidosis is in effect when the nurse observes?
Kussmaul's respirations
Decreased blood pressure
Reduced abdominal distention
Increased urinary output
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Kussmaul's respirations are deep, rapid breathing that occurs as a respiratory compensation to blow off CO₂ and raise pH during metabolic acidosis.
B. Decreased blood pressure is a clinical sign but not a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis.
C. Reduced abdominal distention is unrelated to acid-base compensation.
D. Increased urinary output may occur but is not the primary compensatory response for metabolic acidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Chloride 105 mEq/L is within the normal range (98–106 mEq/L) and does not require reporting.
B. Calcium 9.6 mEq/L is a normal calcium level (normal range: 8.5–10.5 mEq/L).
C. Sodium 151 mEq/L is above the normal sodium range (135–145 mEq/L) and indicates hypernatremia. This could affect neurological function and fluid balance, especially important to correct prior to surgery.
D. Potassium 3.8 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5–5.0 mEq/L).
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Normal ABG would have pH between 7.35–7.45, PaCO₂ between 35–45 mmHg, and HCO₃⁻ between 22–26 mEq/L. This ABG is not fully normal.
B. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by low pH and low HCO₃⁻, which is not the case here.
C. Metabolic alkalosis shows elevated HCO₃⁻ (30 mEq/L) and a near-normal but slightly alkalotic pH (7.44). The elevated PaCO₂ (48 mmHg) suggests partial respiratory compensation.
D. Respiratory acidosis would have a low pH and high PaCO₂, which doesn't match this ABG.
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