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 A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Wheezing is a typical sound heard during bronchoconstriction, which occurs in conditions like asthma and COPD. It indicates that the airways are narrowed, causing the characteristic sound.
Choice B reason: Pulmonary edema typically presents with crackles or rales rather than wheezing. Wheezing would not be the primary indication of this condition.
Choice C reason: Hemoptysis refers to coughing up blood and does not typically present with wheezing. It might present with other sounds if there is an underlying lung issue, but wheezing is not specific to it.
Choice D reason: Pneumothorax generally presents with decreased or absent breath sounds on one side, not wheezing. It occurs when air enters the pleural space, causing lung collapse.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Chronic renal disease typically leads to metabolic acidosis, not alkalosis, due to the accumulation of acids that the kidney cannot excrete.
Choice B reason: Prolonged vomiting leads to the loss of hydrochloric acid from the stomach, which can result in metabolic alkalosis due to the imbalance caused by the loss of stomach acid.
Choice C reason: Hyperventilation leads to respiratory alkalosis due to the excessive exhalation of carbon dioxide, reducing hydrogen ion concentration in the blood.
Choice D reason: Obstructive sleep apnea is typically associated with respiratory acidosis, not metabolic alkalosis, due to episodes of hypoventilation during sleep.
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