The nurse is caring for a patient with metabolic acidosis. Which laboratory findings will the nurse expect to support this diagnosis? (Select All That Apply)
pH less than 7.35
HCO3 less than 22 mEq/L
PaCO2 greater than 45 mmHg
PaO2 less than 80 mmHg
SpO2 greater than 95%
Correct Answer : A,B,C
Choice A reason: A pH less than 7.35 indicates an acidic state, which is consistent with metabolic acidosis. The normal pH range is 7.35 to 7.45.
Choice B reason: HCO3 (bicarbonate) less than 22 mEq/L indicates a low level of bicarbonate, which is consistent with metabolic acidosis. Bicarbonate is a base, and lower levels indicate a loss of buffering capacity.
Choice C reason: PaCO2 greater than 45 mmHg is not a primary indicator of metabolic acidosis but can occur as a compensatory mechanism in response to respiratory acidosis. The primary indicators of metabolic acidosis are low pH and low bicarbonate.
Choice D reason: PaO2 less than 80 mmHg indicates hypoxemia but is not directly related to the diagnosis of metabolic acidosis. Hypoxemia can occur with various conditions, and while it may be present, it is not a defining characteristic of metabolic acidosis.
Choice E reason: SpO2 greater than 95% indicates normal oxygen saturation and is not relevant to the diagnosis of metabolic acidosis. Oxygen saturation primarily reflects respiratory function rather than acid-base balance.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Acute hemolytic reactions are severe and typically present with symptoms such as fever, chills, flank pain, hemoglobinuria, and shock. The patient's mild symptoms of itching and a localized rash do not match the severe presentation of an acute hemolytic reaction.
Choice B reason: Allergic reactions to blood transfusions are common and usually present with symptoms such as itching, hives, and localized rash. The patient's vital signs and physical assessment showing mild itching and a rash on the arms are consistent with an allergic reaction.
Choice C reason: Anaphylactic reactions are severe allergic reactions that involve respiratory distress, hypotension, and shock. The patient's mild symptoms do not indicate an anaphylactic reaction.
Choice D reason: Circulatory overload presents with symptoms such as dyspnea, orthopnea, hypertension, and pulmonary edema. The patient's symptoms of itching and a rash do not align with circulatory overload.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: A pH less than 7.35 indicates an acidic state, which is consistent with metabolic acidosis. The normal pH range is 7.35 to 7.45.
Choice B reason: HCO3 (bicarbonate) less than 22 mEq/L indicates a low level of bicarbonate, which is consistent with metabolic acidosis. Bicarbonate is a base, and lower levels indicate a loss of buffering capacity.
Choice C reason: PaCO2 greater than 45 mmHg is not a primary indicator of metabolic acidosis but can occur as a compensatory mechanism in response to respiratory acidosis. The primary indicators of metabolic acidosis are low pH and low bicarbonate.
Choice D reason: PaO2 less than 80 mmHg indicates hypoxemia but is not directly related to the diagnosis of metabolic acidosis. Hypoxemia can occur with various conditions, and while it may be present, it is not a defining characteristic of metabolic acidosis.
Choice E reason: SpO2 greater than 95% indicates normal oxygen saturation and is not relevant to the diagnosis of metabolic acidosis. Oxygen saturation primarily reflects respiratory function rather than acid-base balance.
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