The nurse is caring for a client with severe diarrhea. The nurse monitors the client closely, understanding that this client is at risk for developing which acid-base disorder?
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory acidosis
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because respiratory alkalosis is a condition where the blood pH is higher than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, due to hyperventilation, which lowers the carbon dioxide in the blood. Severe diarrhea does not cause hyperventilation, but rather dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because metabolic alkalosis is a condition where the blood pH is higher than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, due to a loss of acids or an excess of bases in the body. Severe diarrhea does not cause a loss of acids or an excess of bases, but rather a loss of fluids and bicarbonate, which is a base that buffers the acids in the blood.
Choice C reason: This is correct because metabolic acidosis is a condition where the blood pH is lower than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, due to an excess of acids or a loss of bases in the body. Severe diarrhea causes a loss of fluids and bicarbonate, which is a base that buffers the acids in the blood. This leads to an accumulation of acids and a decrease in pH.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because respiratory acidosis is a condition where the blood pH is lower than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, due to impaired gas exchange or hypoventilation, which causes carbon dioxide to accumulate in the blood. Severe diarrhea does not affect the respiratory system directly, but rather the metabolic system.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: For an average adult, the total intake should be approximately equal to the total output every day¹². Therefore, if the patient's total output is 2200 mL, the total intake should also be around 2200 mL.
Choice B reason: 3000 mL is more than the recommended daily fluid intake for an average adult, which is about 2500 mL³. If the patient's intake is higher than their output, they may develop fluid overload or edema.
Choice C reason: 3800 mL is much more than the recommended daily fluid intake for an average adult, which is about 2500 mL³. If the patient's intake is higher than their output, they may develop fluid overload or edema.
Choice D reason: 2400 mL is slightly less than the recommended daily fluid intake for an average adult, which is about 2500 mL³. However, if the patient's intake is lower than their output, they may develop dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because 95-110 mg/dL is the normal range of serum phosphorus level in adults, not chloride. Phosphorus is an electrolyte that is involved in energy metabolism, acid-base balance, and bone formation.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because 10-120 mEq/L is not a realistic range for any electrolyte level in the blood. The units of mEq/L indicate the concentration of ions, not the mass of the substance. The normal range of serum chloride level in adults is expressed in mEq/L, not mg/dL.
Choice C reason: This is correct because 96-106 mEq/L is the normal range of serum chloride level in adults. Chloride is an electrolyte that is important for fluid balance, acid-base balance, and nerve transmission.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because 1.8-2.6 mEq/L is the normal range of serum magnesium level in adults, not chloride. Magnesium is an electrolyte that is important for muscle and nerve function, as well as enzyme activity.
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