The nurse is caring for a trauma patient who has the following arterial blood gas (ABG) results: pH 7.52, PaCO2 55, HCO3 30 me/L. How will the nurse interpret these results?
Respiratory alkalosis with partial compensation
Metabolic alkalosis with partial compensation
Metabolic alkalosis with no compensation
Metabolic acidosis with partial compensation
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Respiratory alkalosis with partial compensation is characterized by a high pH, low PaCO2, and a compensatory decrease in HCO3. In this case, the pH is high (alkaline), PaCO2 is high, and HCO3 is elevated, indicating that the primary disorder is metabolic alkalosis, not respiratory alkalosis.
Choice B reason: Metabolic alkalosis with partial compensation is indicated by a high pH (alkaline), high HCO3 (bicarbonate), and a high PaCO2 (carbon dioxide) as a compensatory mechanism by the respiratory system. In this case, the pH is 7.52 (alkaline), PaCO2 is 55 mmHg, and HCO3 is 30 mEq/L, which fits the profile of metabolic alkalosis with the respiratory system attempting to compensate by retaining CO2.
Choice C reason: Metabolic alkalosis with no compensation would present with a high pH and high HCO3, but normal PaCO2. In this case, the PaCO2 is elevated, indicating that there is some level of respiratory compensation occurring, which rules out the "no compensation" scenario.
Choice D reason: Metabolic acidosis with partial compensation would present with a low pH, low HCO3, and low PaCO2 as a compensatory mechanism. In this case, the pH is high (alkaline), not low, which is inconsistent with metabolic acidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Ondansetron is an antiemetic given to control nausea and vomiting, which are common symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, especially when they have a flare-up.
Choice B reason: Vitamin B12 injections are crucial for preventing pernicious anemia but are not specific treatments for acute management of inflammatory bowel disease symptoms.
Choice C reason: Antidiarrheal medications should be used cautiously in inflammatory bowel disease as they can worsen symptoms or lead to complications like toxic megacolon.
Choice D reason: Beta-adrenergic blockers are not used to reduce bowel motility and are not a part of the standard treatment regimen for inflammatory bowel disease.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Always using a low flow device such as a nasal cannula or simple face mask is not necessarily appropriate for all patients. The choice of device should be based on the patient's oxygen needs and clinical status.
Choice B reason: Correcting the PaO2 to a normal level as quickly as possible using mechanical ventilation is not appropriate in most cases. Rapid correction of oxygen levels can lead to complications such as oxygen toxicity. Mechanical ventilation is used in severe cases but is not the first line of treatment for most patients.
Choice C reason: Using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to maintain PaCO2 greater than 50 mmHg is incorrect. CPAP is used to maintain open airways and improve oxygenation but is not used to target specific PaCO2 levels.
Choice D reason: Increasing the PaO2 to an acceptable level at the lowest oxygen concentration possible is the most appropriate guideline. This approach aims to correct hypoxemia without causing oxygen toxicity. The goal is to achieve adequate oxygenation while minimizing the risk of adverse effects from high oxygen concentrations.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.