The nurse is reviewing the client's following arterial blood gases: pH 7.33, PaCo2 47, HCO3 24. Which manifestation would the nurse expect the client to be experiencing with this imbalance?
Confusion
Kussmaul's Respirations
Seizures
Paresthesia in the extremities
The Correct Answer is A
A. Confusion: Respiratory acidosis (low pH + high PaCO2) leads to decreased oxygenation of brain tissues, causing confusion, drowsiness, and lethargy.
B. Kussmaul's Respirations: Seen in metabolic acidosis, not respiratory acidosis.
C. Seizures: Seizures are more common with alkalosis (high pH) due to neuronal excitability.
D. Paresthesia in the Extremities: More common in respiratory alkalosis due to calcium shifts.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Fluid will be pushed into the interstitial spaces. Hypertonic solutions draw water into the bloodstream, not into tissues.
B. Fluid will be pulled out of the cells and into the bloodstream: Hypertonic solutions (e.g., 3% NaCl, D10W) have a higher osmolarity than blood plasma. This pulls fluid from cells into the intravascular space, causing cell shrinkage and increasing blood volume.
C. Fluid will be pushed out of the bloodstream into extravascular spaces. This describes a hypotonic solution’s effect.
D. Fluid will be pulled out of the bloodstream into the cells. This describes an isotonic or hypotonic effect.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Hypokalemia: Tap water enemas can cause excessive fluid shifts, leading to potassium loss via stool and dilutional effects. Multiple enemas can result in hypokalemia (low K⁺), which may cause muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias.
B. Hypocalcemia: Tap water enemas do not significantly affect calcium levels.
C. Hypernatremia: Tap water is hypotonic, leading to fluid absorption rather than sodium excess.
D. Hyperphosphatemia: Enemas can cause hypophosphatemia rather than excess phosphate levels.
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