The nurse reviews the arterial blood gas results of a client and notes the following:
pH 7.45, [normal range: 7.35-7.45]
Paco2 of 30 mm Hg (30 mmol/L), [normal range: 35-45]
HCO3- of 20 mEq/L (20 mmol/L), [normal range: 22-26]
Which condition would the nurse analyze these results to indicate?
Metabolic alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis
Metabolic acidosis
The Correct Answer is C
A. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and a high HCO3- level; this does not match the provided values.
B. Metabolic acidosis would show a low pH and a low HCO3-, which does not match the findings.
C. The pH is high (7.45) while the Paco2 is low (30 mm Hg), indicating respiratory alkalosis. The low HCO3- could be a compensatory mechanism but does not change the primary interpretation of respiratory alkalosis.
D. Respiratory acidosis would be indicated by a low pH and a high Paco2, which is not the case here.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Restlessness is an objective sign that may indicate pain, but it is not a subjective report from the client.
B. Pupil dilation is an objective physiological response often associated with pain or stress, not a subjective indicator.
C. A report of a burning sensation is a subjective indicator because it is based on the client’s own description of their pain experience.
D. Grimacing is an objective observation by the nurse, not a subjective report from the client.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Ventricular tachycardia: Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is identified by a regular, fast rhythm with wide QRS complexes, typically without visible P waves. This rhythm often appears as consecutive, large, uniform waves, which is consistent with what is seen in the diagram.
B. Asystole: Asystole is characterized by a flat line, indicating no electrical activity, which is not present in this strip.
C. Normal sinus rhythm: Normal sinus rhythm would show identifiable P waves, a normal QRS complex, and a regular rate, which are not observed here.
D. Ventricular fibrillation: Ventricular fibrillation appears as chaotic, irregular waveforms with no clear QRS complexes or organization, which does not match the rhythm shown.
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