The nurse is caring for a diabetic patient in renal failure. Which laboratory findings are consistent with metabolic acidosis?
pH 7.35, PaCO2 40 mm Hg, HCO3- 25 mEq/L
pH 7.4, PaCO2 35 mm Hg, HCO3- 35 mEq/L
pH 7.3, PaCO2 36 mm Hg, HCO3- 19 mEq/L
pH 7.45, PaCO2 45 mm Hg, HCO3- 30 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: pH 7.35, PaCO2 40 mm Hg, HCO3- 25 mEq/L are normal values, indicating no acidosis. Metabolic acidosis involves low pH and low bicarbonate, which this does not show, making it incorrect.
Choice B reason: pH 7.4 is normal, and HCO3- 35 mEq/L suggests metabolic alkalosis, not acidosis. Renal failure and diabetes typically cause acidosis due to acid accumulation, making this inconsistent with metabolic acidosis.
Choice C reason: pH 7.3 (low) and HCO3- 19 mEq/L (low) with normal PaCO2 indicate metabolic acidosis, common in renal failure due to impaired acid excretion and diabetic ketoacidosis, making this the correct choice.
Choice D reason: pH 7.45 and HCO3- 30 mEq/L suggest metabolic alkalosis, not acidosis. Elevated bicarbonate is opposite to the low levels expected in metabolic acidosis, making this incorrect for the patient’s condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: A 10-mL syringe may be too large for IV push medications, risking rapid administration. Smaller syringes (e.g., 3–5 mL) allow precise dosing, but compatibility is the priority, making this incorrect.
Choice B reason: Administering over 5 seconds is too fast for most IV push medications, risking adverse reactions. Medications require specific administration rates, but compatibility must be confirmed first, making this secondary.
Choice C reason: Flushing with 20 mL of normal saline ensures patency but is excessive for IV push. Compatibility checks prevent precipitation or inactivation, making flushing a follow-up action, not the priority.
Choice D reason: Checking medication compatibility with IV fluids or drugs prevents adverse reactions like precipitation. This ensures safe administration, making it the priority action before giving an IV push medication.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hand washing is the most effective technique to prevent pathogen transmission during wound care, as it removes microorganisms from the hands, reducing contamination risk. It is the foundation of infection control, making it the primary teaching focus for patients and families.
Choice B reason: Wearing gloves is important but secondary to hand washing, which must precede glove use to ensure clean hands. Gloves alone do not address hand contamination before or after wound care, making this less effective than hand washing.
Choice C reason: Washing the wound removes debris but does not prevent pathogen transmission from the caregiver’s hands to the wound. Hand washing is the primary defense against introducing pathogens, making wound washing a supportive but secondary action.
Choice D reason: Wearing eye protection prevents splash exposure but is less critical than hand washing, which directly reduces pathogen transfer during wound care. Eye protection is situational, while hand hygiene is universally essential, making this less effective.
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