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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Reminding the patient that they will be responsible for caring for the ileostomy after discharge may increase their anxiety and reluctance. It does not address the underlying concerns or feelings.

Choice B reason: Reassuring the patient that the procedure will be reversed in a few months is not always accurate and may provide false hope. Each patient's situation is unique, and not all ileostomies are temporary.

Choice C reason: Acknowledging the patient's reluctance and initiating a discussion to explore their feelings is the most appropriate response. This approach allows the nurse to understand the patient's concerns, provide emotional support, and offer practical solutions to help the patient feel more comfortable with ostomy care.

Choice D reason: Discussing the need for a psychiatric referral during interdisciplinary rounds is not the immediate step. The nurse should first address the patient's feelings and concerns directly and provide support.

A. Normal blood pressure, deep respirations B. Increased alertness, normal heart rhythm C. High urine specific gravity, normal temperature D. Blood glucose of 250 mg/dL, disorientation

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Normal blood pressure may indicate improved hydration, but deep respirations (often seen in metabolic acidosis or DKA) suggest that the patient is still experiencing distress. This combination does not reliably signal effective treatment for HHS.

Choice B reason:

Increased alertness shows that the patient’s mental status is improving, reflecting better cerebral perfusion and hydration.
A normal heart rhythm indicates that potassium levels are stable (thanks to the potassium chloride in the IV fluids) and that the insulin therapy is not causing dangerous shifts.
Together, these findings are the best indicators that the treatment is effective.

Choice C reason:

A high urine specific gravity reveals that the urine is still concentrated, which means dehydration persists.
Although the temperature is normal, the continued dehydration is not consistent with effective treatment of HHS.

Choice D reason:

A blood glucose of 250 mg/dL suggests that hyperglycemia is being corrected; however, persistent disorientation indicates that the patient’s mental status has not improved, meaning that the treatment has not fully resolved the critical aspects of HHS.

Thus, Choice B (Increased alertness, normal heart rhythm) is the best indicator of effective treatment.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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