The nurse is aware that the compensating mechanism that is most likely to occur in the presence of respiratory acidosis is:

Hyperventilation to decrease the CO2 levels

Hypoventilation to increase the CO2 levels

Retention of HCO3 by the kidneys to increase the pH level

Excretion of HCO3 by the kidneys to decrease the pH level

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Hyperventilation to decrease the CO2 levels: Hyperventilation would not occur in respiratory acidosis; it would be a compensatory mechanism for respiratory alkalosis, where there is excess CO2. In respiratory acidosis, the body attempts to retain CO2, not expel it.

B. Hypoventilation to increase the CO2 levels: Hypoventilation is the cause of respiratory acidosis, as it leads to CO2 retention. This is not a compensatory mechanism but rather the underlying problem that causes respiratory acidosis.

C. Retention of HCO3 by the kidneys to increase the pH level: In response to respiratory acidosis, the kidneys compensate by retaining bicarbonate (HCO3-), which helps to neutralize the excess hydrogen ions (H+) in the blood, thereby increasing the pH and correcting the acidosis.

D. Excretion of HCO3 by the kidneys to decrease the pH level: This would be the opposite of what occurs in respiratory acidosis. Excreting bicarbonate would worsen the acidosis, not correct it. The kidneys typically retain bicarbonate to help raise the pH in this situation.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Excessive thirst: Excessive thirst, polydipsia, is not the most immediate concern with a potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L. Potassium levels within this range (slightly elevated) may not directly cause excessive thirst.

B. Irregular heartbeat: Elevated potassium levels can cause dangerous cardiac arrhythmias, including irregular heartbeat. Therefore, the most important assessment is monitoring for signs of cardiac disturbances.

C. Swelling of ankles: Swelling of the ankles is more commonly associated with fluid retention or circulatory issues and is not directly linked to minor elevations in potassium levels. Although elevated potassium can affect fluid balance, it does not immediately present as swelling.

D. Frightening hallucinations: Hallucinations can be caused by a variety of factors, but they are not a direct effect of slightly elevated potassium levels. More serious symptoms like cardiac arrhythmias are a more immediate concern with abnormal potassium levels.

A. Diabetes mellitus B. Myasthenia gravis C. Asthma D. Cancer

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Diabetes mellitus: Diabetes mellitus, particularly when poorly controlled, can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a common cause of metabolic acidosis. In DKA, the body produces excessive acidic ketones due to a lack of insulin, leading to a decrease in blood pH and the development of metabolic acidosis.

B. Myasthenia gravis: Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness, but it does not directly affect the body’s acid-base balance. It is not a condition that leads to metabolic acidosis.

C. Asthma: Asthma can cause respiratory acidosis if there is significant hypoventilation or airway obstruction, but it is not a cause of metabolic acidosis. Asthma mainly affects the respiratory system, leading to a potential for CO2 retention, not metabolic acidosis.

D. Cancer: While cancer can contribute to various metabolic disturbances, it is not a direct cause of metabolic acidosis unless there are complications such as kidney failure, severe infections, or tumor lysis syndrome. Diabetes mellitus is a more common and direct cause of metabolic acidosis

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The nurse is aware that the compensating mechanism that is most likely to occur in the presence of respiratory acidosis is:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The K laboratory report shows a level of 5.2 mEq/L (Normal 3.5-5.0 mEq/L). What is the most important assessment for the nurse to make?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing the chart of a client whose arterial blood gas finding reveal metabolic acidosis. The nurse should recognize that which of the following conditions in the client's history increases the risk of metabolic acidosis?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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