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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) "The medication should be given with 5-6 hours of the onset of stroke symptoms":
. tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) is typically given for an ischemic stroke, and it is most effective when administered within 3 to 4.5 hours of the onset of stroke symptoms. After this time frame, the risk of bleeding complications increases, and the benefits of the medication diminish significantly. Giving tPA after 6 hours is generally considered outside the therapeutic window for ischemic stroke, though some centers may extend the window based on specific criteria.
B) "The medication is a primary treatment for hemorrhagic stroke":
. tPA is contraindicated in hemorrhagic stroke because it works by dissolving clots, which could worsen bleeding in the brain. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when there is bleeding in the brain, and administering tPA would exacerbate the bleeding, leading to more severe brain injury and complications. The primary treatment for hemorrhagic stroke is controlling bleeding, often through surgical interventions or managing blood pressure.
C) "The medication can be given to prevent clot formation in the context of head trauma":
. tPA is not used to prevent clot formation, particularly in the setting of head trauma. It is used to dissolve existing clots in cases of ischemic stroke. Administering tPA after head trauma or brain injury could lead to catastrophic complications, such as worsening bleeding, and should be avoided. The use of tPA is contraindicated in trauma-related situations unless the stroke is clearly ischemic and there are no signs of hemorrhage.
D) "When given within a certain timeframe, the medication may dissolve an ischemic stroke":
. tPA is the standard treatment for ischemic strokes (caused by a clot blocking blood flow to the brain). When administered within 3 to 4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms, tPA can dissolve the clot, improving blood flow to the affected area of the brain and potentially minimizing the damage caused by the stroke. Timely administration is critical for maximizing its benefits in reducing disability and improving outcomes.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Promptly change out of wet clothing such as bathing suits after use":
This is a key recommendation for preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially in women. Wet clothing, such as swimsuits or damp exercise clothes, creates a warm, moist environment that encourages bacterial growth, particularly in the genital and perineal areas. Changing out of wet clothing promptly helps reduce the risk of bacteria entering the urinary tract, which is an important preventive measure for recurrent UTIs.
B. "Buy synthetic underwear rather than cotton fabric":
This statement is incorrect. Cotton underwear is recommended because it is breathable and helps keep the genital area dry, reducing the likelihood of bacterial growth. Synthetic fabrics, on the other hand, trap moisture and heat, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive, increasing the risk of UTIs. Therefore, wearing cotton underwear is advised rather than synthetic fabric.
C. "Be sure to empty your bladder every 6-8 hours":
This recommendation is somewhat inaccurate. To prevent UTIs, it is essential to empty the bladder more frequently than every 6-8 hours, especially if the person feels the urge to urinate. Holding urine for long periods can increase the risk of bacterial growth in the urinary tract. It is generally recommended to urinate at least every 3-4 hours during the day to prevent urine stagnation and reduce the risk of infection.
D. "Try to drink 500-1000 ml of fluid per day":
This fluid intake recommendation is too low. To prevent UTIs, a higher fluid intake is necessary—typically 2-3 liters (2000-3000 mL) of fluid per day. Adequate hydration helps ensure frequent urination, which flushes out bacteria from the urinary tract. Consuming only 500-1000 mL of fluid per day is insufficient and would likely increase the risk of UTIs due to less frequent urination and less flushing of the urinary system.
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