The nurse is reading the results of an arterial blood gas showing pH 7.52, CO2 25, and HCO3- 24. The nurse interprets this as which of the following

Respiratory acidosis

Metabolic acidosis

Respiratory alkalosis

Metabolic alkalosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Respiratory acidosis:
Respiratory acidosis is characterized by an increased CO2 level (above 45 mmHg) due to hypoventilation or impaired gas exchange, leading to a decrease in pH (below 7.35). In this case, the CO2 level is 25 mmHg, which is lower than normal and suggests a loss of CO2, not an accumulation. Therefore, respiratory acidosis is not the correct interpretation of these ABG results.
B. Metabolic acidosis:
Metabolic acidosis occurs when the pH drops below 7.35 due to conditions like kidney failure, diarrhea, or diabetic ketoacidosis. This would typically be accompanied by a low bicarbonate (HCO3-) level (less than 22 mEq/L). However, in this case, the pH is 7.52 (alkalotic), and the HCO3- level is 24 mEq/L, which is within the normal range. Thus, metabolic acidosis is not the correct interpretation.

C. Respiratory alkalosis:
Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a decrease in CO2 (less than 35 mmHg) due to hyperventilation, which causes an increase in pH (above 7.45). In this case, the pH is 7.52 (alkalotic), and the CO2 is 25 mmHg, which is lower than the normal range (35–45 mmHg). The bicarbonate (HCO3-) level is 24 mEq/L, which is normal and compensatory. This matches the pattern of respiratory alkalosis, where the body compensates with a normal bicarbonate level as CO2 decreases.

D. Metabolic alkalosis:
Metabolic alkalosis occurs when the pH rises above 7.45, often due to excessive vomiting, diuretic use, or antacid overuse, leading to an increase in bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels. While the pH is 7.52, indicating alkalosis, the bicarbonate (HCO3-) level is 24 mEq/L, which is within the normal range for bicarbonate. In metabolic alkalosis, you would typically see an elevated HCO3- level, which is not the case here. Therefore, metabolic alkalosis is not the correct interpretation of these ABG results.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Hemoglobin and hematocrit count:
Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are useful in assessing overall blood volume and oxygen-carrying capacity. While these tests can help identify anemia or other hematologic abnormalities that might occur in HIV-infected individuals, they do not provide specific information regarding the stage of HIV infection or the immune function. Therefore, they are not the most helpful for determining the stage of the disease.

B. CD4+ count cell:
The CD4+ count is the most important laboratory test for assessing the progression of HIV. CD4+ T cells are critical components of the immune system, and their count reflects the level of immune suppression in the body. As HIV progresses, the CD4+ count decreases, making the individual more vulnerable to opportunistic infections. A low CD4+ count (typically below 200 cells/mm³) indicates that the individual has progressed to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Therefore, the CD4+ count provides the most direct insight into the stage of HIV infection.

C. Western blot:
The Western blot test is used to confirm an HIV diagnosis after an initial positive screening test, such as the ELISA. It is not used to assess the stage of the disease. While it helps to confirm the presence of HIV antibodies, it does not provide information about immune function or the progression of the disease.

D. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA):
The ELISA is a screening test used to detect antibodies against HIV. If the ELISA test is positive, it is usually followed by a confirmatory test (such as the Western blot). While ELISA is important for diagnosing HIV infection, it does not provide information about the current stage or progression of the disease. Therefore, it is not the most helpful test for assessing the stage of HIV infection once the diagnosis is established.

A. Administration of IV diuretics B. Administration of IV antibiotics C. Lay the client supine with legs elevated D. Isotonic Intravenous fluids

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The client is showing signs of fluid overload due to heart failure exacerbation, including:

Progressive shortness of breath (fluid in the lungs)
Jugular venous distention (JVD) (increased central venous pressure)
Crackles in the lung bases (pulmonary congestion/edema)
Bounding pulse (increased circulating volume)

IV diuretics (e.g., Furosemide/Lasix) are the first-line treatment to rapidly reduce fluid overload by promoting diuresis and decreasing pulmonary congestion.

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The nurse is reading the results of an arterial blood gas showing pH 7.52, CO2 25, and HCO3- 24. The nurse interprets this as which of the following

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Explanation

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Explanation

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