Two days after admission for an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an older client's arterial blood gas (ABC) indicate an acid base imbalance. The client's laboratory results reveal a low hemoglobin level, an elevated creatinine clearance, and decreased urine specific gravity. Which is the most likely cause for the acid base imbalance?

Myocardial infarction one year ago.

Occasional use of antacids.

Chronic renal insufficiency.

Shortness of breath with exertion.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Myocardial infarction one year ago:

A myocardial infarction (MI) that occurred one year ago is not directly related to the current acid-base imbalance described in the scenario. While a history of MI may have implications for the client's overall cardiovascular health and management, it is not the most likely cause of the acid-base imbalance indicated by the laboratory results.

B. Occasional use of antacids:

Occasional use of antacids is unlikely to cause the acid-base imbalance described in the scenario. Antacids primarily work by neutralizing gastric acid and are not typically associated with significant alterations in acid-base status, especially when used intermittently.

C. Chronic renal insufficiency:

Chronic renal insufficiency is the most likely cause of the acid-base imbalance indicated by the laboratory results. A low hemoglobin level suggests anemia, which can occur in chronic kidney disease due to decreased erythropoietin production. An elevated creatinine clearance indicates impaired kidney function, as the kidneys are clearing creatinine at a faster rate than normal. Decreased urine specific gravity suggests the kidneys' inability to concentrate urine properly, which is a common finding in renal insufficiency. Renal insufficiency can lead to metabolic acidosis due to the kidneys' decreased ability to excrete acid and regulate bicarbonate levels.

D. Shortness of breath with exertion:

Shortness of breath with exertion, a symptom commonly seen in COPD exacerbations, is unlikely to directly cause the acid-base imbalance described in the scenario. While respiratory distress can lead to respiratory acidosis, which is characterized by elevated carbon dioxide levels and decreased pH, the laboratory results indicate metabolic rather than respiratory acidosis.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Sensory neuropathy:

Sensory neuropathy, while common in diabetes mellitus, primarily affects sensation in the extremities and can lead to reduced pain perception and protective sensation. While sensory neuropathy can contribute to the development of foot ulcers by reducing the ability to detect trauma or pressure, it is not the primary factor influencing the ability of the ulcer to heal.

B) Hyperlipidemia:

Hyperlipidemia, characterized by elevated levels of lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood, is a common comorbidity in diabetes mellitus. It can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and macrovascular complications such as coronary artery disease and peripheral arterial disease. While macrovascular disease can impair wound healing by reducing blood flow to the affected area, it is not the primary contributing factor to the ability of the ulcer to heal.

C) Ketoacidosis:

Ketoacidosis, a serious complication of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, results from the accumulation of ketones in the blood, leading to metabolic acidosis. While ketoacidosis can have systemic effects and impair overall health, it is not directly related to the ability of a foot ulcer to heal.

D) Microvascular changes:

Correct. Microvascular changes, such as thickening of the capillary basement membrane and endothelial dysfunction, are hallmark features of diabetes mellitus. These changes lead to impaired microcirculation, reduced oxygen delivery, and compromised nutrient supply to tissues, including the skin and soft tissues of the foot. Poor microvascular perfusion contributes to delayed wound healing and an increased risk of infection in individuals with diabetes mellitus. Addressing microvascular changes is essential for promoting wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers, making it the primary contributing factor to the ability of the ulcer to heal.

A. Elevation in blood pressure. B. Vasospasm at insertion site. C. Clot in the arterial catheter. D. Air lock in the transducer.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Elevation in blood pressure:

While elevation in blood pressure could potentially cause discomfort at the arterial line insertion site, it is not the most likely physiological effect to induce sudden pain in this scenario. Blood pressure elevation would typically cause generalized symptoms rather than localized pain at the insertion site.

B) Vasospasm at insertion site:

Correct. Vasospasm refers to the sudden constriction of blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow. It can occur in response to arterial puncture or manipulation during arterial line insertion, resulting in sudden pain at the insertion site.

C) Clot in the arterial catheter:

A clot in the arterial catheter could potentially cause obstruction and affect blood flow, but it is less likely to induce sudden pain at the insertion site unless there is associated ischemia or tissue damage.

D) Air lock in the transducer:

An air lock in the transducer could disrupt pressure monitoring but is not typically associated with sudden pain at the insertion site. It may lead to inaccurate pressure readings rather than localized pain.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with diabetes mellitus develops an ulcer on the bottom of the foot. Which pathology is the primary contributing factor to the ability of the ulcer to heal?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

After the nurse obtains a blood sample from a client's right radial arterial client reports a sudden onset of pain at the arterial line insertion site. The nurse recognizes which physiological effect may be inducing the sudden pain?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

In the kidney, where are the mechanisms found that are responsible for increasing urine concentration?

A client with a sudden onset of big toe joint pain and swelling is diagnosed with gout. Which pathophysiologic process is producing the symptoms of gout?

A male client with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) develops a gangrenous toe and is admitted for possible amputation. Which pathophysiological consequence of DM has contributed to this client's complication?

An adult client with extreme fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and bradycardia is diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Which laboratory findings is this client likely to exhibit?

The nurse is assessing a client with a gunshot wound to the abdomen who is admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) following a 3-hour surgical procedure. Which elevated laboratory value indicates pancreatic damage?