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 B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Drowsiness is not a typical side effect of prednisone. Prednisone can cause alertness and difficulty sleeping, making drowsiness an unlikely side effect. It is more commonly associated with medications that have sedative properties.

Choice B reason: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a potential side effect of prednisone. Corticosteroids like prednisone can cause fluid retention and increase blood pressure. Patients taking prednisone should monitor their blood pressure regularly and discuss any significant changes with their healthcare provider.

Choice C reason: Weight loss is not a common side effect of prednisone. In fact, prednisone can cause weight gain due to increased appetite and fluid retention. Patients on prednisone should be mindful of their diet and exercise to manage potential weight changes.

Choice D reason: Skin thickening is not a typical side effect of prednisone. Corticosteroids can cause thinning of the skin with long-term use, rather than thickening. Patients should be aware of this potential side effect and take steps to protect their skin.

A. Chronic renal disease B. Prolonged vomiting C. Hyperventilation D. Obstructive sleep apnea

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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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

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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