The nurse obtains the following arterial blood gas results on a client: pH 7.2, PaO2 88 mmHg, PaCO2 40 mmHg, HCO3 19 mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance is the client experiencing?

Choice A reason: Furosemide 40 mg PO daily is not the medication that the nurse should administer for chest pain. Furosemide is a diuretic that reduces fluid volume and lowers blood pressure, but it does not relieve anginal pain.

Choice B reason: Diltiazem 30 mg PO daily is not the medication that the nurse should administer for chest pain. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure, but it does not act quickly enough to relieve acute anginal pain.

Choice C reason: Metoprolol 25 mg PO bid is not the medication that the nurse should administer for chest pain. Metoprolol is a beta blocker that slows down the heart rate and lowers blood pressure, but it does not act quickly enough to relieve acute anginal pain.

Choice D reason: Nitroglycerin 0.4 mg SL PRN is the medication that the nurse should administer for chest pain. Nitroglycerin is a nitrate that dilates the coronary arteries and increases blood flow to the heart, thus relieving anginal pain. It is given sublingually (under the tongue) as needed for chest pain.

Choice A reason: I will call dietary to bring you breakfast is not the best response by the nurse. This response may imply that the nurse is willing to compromise the test results or the client's safety by allowing them to eat before the test. The nurse should explain the rationale for fasting and offer the client some water or ice chips if allowed.

Choice B reason: Food may interact with the dye that is used for the test is not the best response by the nurse. This response may be partially true, but it is not specific or clear enough to justify the need for fasting. The nurse should explain that food can affect the absorption and distribution of the radioactive tracer that is injected into the bloodstream for the test, and that eating can also interfere with the quality of the images.

Choice C reason: I will ask the health care provider if the test can be rescheduled is not the best response by the nurse. This response may suggest that the nurse is not confident or knowledgeable about the test protocol or the client's condition. The nurse should explain the importance and urgency of the test and reassure the client that they will be able to eat after the test is done.

Choice D reason: The procedure is usually completed on an empty stomach is the best response by the nurse. This response is accurate and concise, and it informs the client of the standard preparation for the test. The nurse should also provide more details about the test procedure and the expected duration, and answer any questions or concerns that the client may have.