The nurse is caring for a client who is suspected of meningitis.
After reviewing lab results, the nurse will anticipate that the provider will prescribe which medications to treat the meningitis?

Choice A rationale
While assessing visual acuity may be part of a comprehensive eye examination, it would not specifically address distortions noted on the Amsler grid.
Choice B rationale
Tonometry testing is used to measure the pressure inside the eye and is typically used in the diagnosis of glaucoma. It would not specifically address distortions noted on the Amsler grid.
Choice C rationale
Distortions when looking at the Amsler grid can be a sign of macular degeneration16. Therefore, arranging for the client to be assessed for macular degeneration would be the appropriate action16.
Choice D rationale
While age-related changes in vision can occur, distortions when looking at the Amsler grid are not typically considered a normal age-related change16. Therefore, reassuring the client that this is an age-related change in vision would not be the appropriate action16.

Choice A rationale:
Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (less than 7.35), a high PaCO2 (greater than 45 mm Hg), and a normal or high HCO3 (22-26 mEq/L). It occurs when there is a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood due to impaired ventilation.
The patient's ABGs do not align with respiratory acidosis because the pH is elevated (7.6), and the PaCO2 is within the normal range (40 mm Hg).
Choice B rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (greater than 7.45), a low PaCO2 (less than 35 mm Hg), and a normal or low HCO3 (22-26 mEq/L). It occurs when there is excessive loss of carbon dioxide through hyperventilation.
The patient's ABGs do not align with respiratory alkalosis because the HCO3 is elevated (32 mEq/L), which is not typical for this condition.
Choice C rationale:
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (less than 7.35), a normal or low PaCO2 (less than 40 mm Hg), and a low HCO3 (less than 22 mEq/L). It occurs when there is an excess of acid in the body or a loss of bicarbonate.
The patient's ABGs do not align with metabolic acidosis because the pH is elevated (7.6), and the HCO3 is elevated (32 mEq/L).
Choice D rationale:

Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (greater than 7.45), a normal or high PaCO2 (40-45 mm Hg), and an elevated HCO3 (greater than 26 mEq/L). It occurs when there is an excess of bicarbonate in the body or a loss of acid.
The patient's ABGs align with metabolic alkalosis because of the high pH (7.6), normal PaCO2 (40 mm Hg), and elevated HCO3 (32 mEq/L).