The nurse caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) anticipates which arterial blood gas (ABG) findings?
pH: 7.40, PaO2: 90 mm Hg, CO2: 39 mEq/L, HCO3: 23 mEq/L.
pH: 7.32, PaO2: 85 mm Hg, CO2: 57 mEq/L, HCO3: 26 mEq/L.
pH: 7.47, PaO2: 82 mm Hg, CO2: 30 mEq/L, HCO3: 31 mEq/L.
pH: 7.30, PaO2: 95 mm Hg, CO2: 22 mEq/L, HCO3: 19 mEq/L.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Normal ABG values (pH 7.40, CO2 39) don’t reflect COPD’s chronic hypercapnia and compensated acidosis. pH 7.32 with elevated CO2 is typical, making this incorrect, as it doesn’t match the nurse’s expected findings in a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Choice B reason: In COPD, chronic CO2 retention (57 mEq/L) causes respiratory acidosis (pH 7.32) with compensatory HCO3 increase (26 mEq/L). Low PaO2 (85 mm Hg) reflects hypoxemia. This aligns with COPD pathophysiology, making it the correct ABG finding the nurse anticipates in this client.
Choice C reason: Alkalotic pH (7.47) and low CO2 (30 mEq/L) suggest hyperventilation, not COPD’s CO2 retention. Acidosis with high CO2 is expected, making this incorrect, as it contradicts the typical ABG profile in the nurse’s assessment of a COPD client.
Choice D reason: Low CO2 (22 mEq/L) and acidosis (pH 7.30) suggest metabolic acidosis, not COPD’s respiratory acidosis with hypercapnia. Elevated CO2 is typical, making this incorrect, as it doesn’t reflect the nurse’s expected ABG findings in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Inverted T waves suggest ischemia but are less specific than troponin I, which confirms myocardial damage in ACS. This is incorrect, as it’s not the most significant finding within 3 hours compared to the nurse’s reliance on biomarkers for diagnosis.
Choice B reason: Peaked T waves indicate hyperkalemia, not ACS, which is diagnosed by troponin elevation. This is incorrect, as it’s unrelated to the nurse’s expected finding for acute coronary syndrome within the first 3 hours of symptom onset.
Choice C reason: Elevated troponin I is the most significant finding for ACS, indicating myocardial necrosis within 3 hours. This aligns with diagnostic criteria, making it the correct biomarker the nurse would prioritize to confirm acute coronary syndrome in the client.
Choice D reason: Troponin T is also specific for ACS but rises slightly later than troponin I, which is detectable sooner. This is incorrect, as troponin I is more significant within 3 hours for the nurse’s diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Encouraging fluid intake is inappropriate post-hemodialysis, as fluid overload is a risk. A fever of 101.2°F requires provider notification, making this incorrect, as it’s unsafe compared to the nurse’s priority of addressing a potential infection promptly.
Choice B reason: Monitoring vital signs is useful but doesn’t address the urgency of a 101.2°F fever post-hemodialysis, which may indicate infection. Notifying the provider is critical, making this incorrect, as it delays the nurse’s action to manage a serious complication.
Choice C reason: Notifying the provider is most appropriate for a fever of 101.2°F post-hemodialysis, as it may signal infection, a serious complication. This aligns with post-dialysis care priorities, making it the correct action for the nurse to take immediately.
Choice D reason: Monitoring the shunt site is relevant but less urgent than notifying the provider about a fever, which may indicate systemic infection. This is incorrect, as it delays the nurse’s priority of addressing the client’s elevated temperature post-hemodialysis.
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