What arterial blood gas result is expected when a person experiences prolonged nasogastric suctioning?
pH 7.50, PaCO2 44 mm Hg, HCO3 28 mEq/L
pH 7.34, PaCO2 45 mm Hg, HCO3 21 mEq/L
pH 7.32, PaCO2 49 mm Hg, HCO3 26 mEq/L
pH 7.46, PaCO2 29 mm Hg, HCO3 25 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Prolonged nasogastric suctioning removes gastric acid (HCl), reducing hydrogen ions in the blood, leading to metabolic alkalosis. This is reflected by elevated pH (7.50) and increased HCO3 (28 mEq/L), with normal PaCO2 as the lungs have not yet compensated. This matches the expected acid-base imbalance, making it correct.
Choice B reason: This result shows a slightly acidic pH (7.34) with normal PaCO2 and low HCO3, suggesting metabolic acidosis. Nasogastric suctioning causes loss of acid, not base, so it does not lead to acidosis. This imbalance is inconsistent with the alkalosis expected from gastric acid loss, making it incorrect.
Choice C reason: This result indicates a low pH (7.32) and elevated PaCO2, suggesting respiratory acidosis with partial compensation (normal HCO3). Nasogastric suctioning affects gastric acid, causing metabolic, not respiratory, alkalosis. The respiratory parameters here do not align with the condition’s pathophysiology, making this choice incorrect.
Choice D reason: This result shows an elevated pH (7.46) and low PaCO2, indicating respiratory alkalosis, likely from hyperventilation, with normal HCO3. Nasogastric suctioning causes metabolic alkalosis due to acid loss, not respiratory changes. The low PaCO2 does not fit the expected metabolic profile, making this choice incorrect.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Diarrhea is not a typical feature of autonomic dysreflexia, which involves sympathetic overactivity causing vasoconstriction. Bowel dysfunction may occur in spinal cord injury, but it is not specific to dysreflexia, making this incorrect.
Choice B reason: Tachycardia can occur in autonomic dysreflexia due to sympathetic stimulation, but it is less specific than headache, which is a hallmark symptom from severe hypertension, making this choice incorrect.
Choice C reason: Autonomic dysreflexia, often triggered by stimuli below the injury level, causes severe hypertension, leading to a pounding headache due to increased intracranial pressure. This is a hallmark symptom, making this the correct choice.
Choice D reason: Hypotension is not associated with autonomic dysreflexia, which causes hypertension from unopposed sympathetic responses. Hypotension may occur in spinal shock, not dysreflexia, making this choice incorrect.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Excessive plasma proteins increase oncotic pressure, pulling fluid into the vascular space, reducing edema. Edema occurs with low plasma proteins (e.g., hypoalbuminemia), as in liver or kidney disease, which decreases oncotic pressure, causing fluid leakage, making this choice incorrect.
Choice B reason: Lymph node dysfunction impairs lymphatic drainage, leading to fluid accumulation in tissues, causing edema (lymphedema). The lymphatic system normally returns interstitial fluid to circulation, so its failure results in swelling, particularly in extremities, making this the correct cause of edema.
Choice C reason: Decreased capillary permeability reduces fluid leakage into tissues, preventing edema. Edema occurs with increased permeability, as in inflammation, allowing fluid to escape into the interstitial space, making this choice incorrect as it opposes the mechanism of edema formation.
Choice D reason: Decreased capillary hydrostatic pressure reduces the force pushing fluid out of capillaries, decreasing edema. Edema is caused by increased hydrostatic pressure, as in heart failure, which forces fluid into tissues, making this choice incorrect for causing edema.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.