The registered nurse reviews the result of the arterial blood gas values with the licensed practical nurse and tells the LPN that the client has respiratory acidosis. The LPN would expect to note which of the following on the laboratory result report?
pH 7.50, PCO2 30 mmHg
pH 7.45, PCO2 52 mmHg
pH 7.25, PCO2 50 mmHg
pH 7.35, PCO2 40 mmHg
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because this represents respiratory alkalosis, not acidosis. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and a low PCO2.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because this represents a mixed disorder, not a pure respiratory acidosis. A mixed disorder occurs when both the pH and the PCO2 are abnormal, but in opposite directions.
Choice C reason: This is correct because this represents respiratory acidosis. Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a high PCO2.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because this represents normal values, not respiratory acidosis. Normal values for pH and PCO2 are 7.35 to 7.45 and 35 to 45 mmHg, respectively.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Intracellular to the extracellular fluid shift is not the cause of low blood pressure in this case. This fluid shift occurs when the cells lose water due to osmosis, such as in dehydration or hypernatremia.
Choice B reason: Interstitial to intravascular fluid shift is not the cause of low blood pressure in this case. This fluid shift occurs when the fluid moves from the tissue spaces to the blood vessels, such as in hypovolemia or hypotonic fluid administration.
Choice C reason: Interstitial to the intracellular fluid shift is not the cause of low blood pressure in this case. This fluid shift occurs when the fluid moves from the tissue spaces to the cells, such as in overhydration or hyponatremia.
Choice D reason: Intravascular to the interstitial fluid shift is the cause of low blood pressure in this case. This fluid shift occurs when the fluid moves from the blood vessels to the tissue spaces, such as in edema, inflammation, or increased capillary permeability. This reduces the blood volume and lowers the blood pressure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Kidney function is not indicated by the PaCO2 level, but rather by the creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. The kidneys are responsible for regulating the HCO3- level, which is the other component of the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system.
Choice B reason: Bicarbonate buffers are not indicated by the PaCO2 level, but rather by the HCO3- level. Bicarbonate buffers are substances that can accept or donate hydrogen ions to maintain the pH of the blood. They are part of the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system, which is the main buffer system in the body.
Choice C reason: Phosphate buffers are not indicated by the PaCO2 level, but rather by the PO4^3^- level. Phosphate buffers are substances that can accept or donate hydrogen ions to maintain the pH of the intracellular fluid and the urine. They are part of the phosphoric acid-phosphate buffer system, which is the second most important buffer system in the body.
Choice D reason: Lung ventilation is indicated by the PaCO2 level, which is the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood. Lung ventilation is the process of moving air in and out of the lungs, which affects the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled. The lungs are responsible for regulating the PaCO2 level, which is the other component of the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system.
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