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 ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Decreased urine output: While not a direct sign of pneumonia, decreased urine output can be an objective finding indicative of dehydration, which often accompanies infections like pneumonia.
B. Headache: Although the client has a headache, it is a subjective symptom rather than an objective finding and is not a primary indicator of pneumonia.
C. Respiratory assessment: The respiratory assessment reveals shortness of breath, crackles in the right lower lobe, and tachypnea, which are commonly associated with pneumonia.
D. Chest X-ray: The chest X-ray shows areas of increased density and infiltrates in the right lower lobe, a hallmark finding that indicates pneumonia.
E. Religion: This does not relate to the clinical findings associated with pneumonia.
F. Bowel sounds: Normal bowel sounds are not indicative of pneumonia.
G. Perception of needles: This is irrelevant to the diagnosis of pneumonia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. An audiometer is used to assess hearing ability and is not appropriate for examining the tympanic membrane.
B. An ophthalmoscope is used to examine the interior of the eye and cannot assess tympanic membrane mobility.
C. A pneumatic otoscope is specifically designed for examining the tympanic membrane and allows for assessment of its mobility by using air pressure.
D. A tuning fork is used to evaluate hearing and vibration sense, not tympanic membrane mobility.
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