What set of arterial blood gases (ABGs) would you expect to see in a client with acute chest trauma?
pH 7.53, CO2 32, HCO3 24
pH 7.30, CO2 52, HCO3 22
pH 7.49, CO2 30, HCO3 14
pH 7.26, CO2 45, HCO3 18
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: pH 7.53 and low CO2 (32) indicate respiratory alkalosis from hyperventilation, not typical in chest trauma where breathing is impaired. HCO3 (24) is normal, showing no compensation yet, misaligning with trauma physiology.
Choice B reason: pH 7.30, high CO2 (52), and near-normal HCO3 (22) reflect respiratory acidosis from hypoventilation in chest trauma, like rib fractures, reducing air exchange. Compensation is minimal acutely, fitting the clinical scenario.
Choice C reason: pH 7.49 and low CO2 (30) suggest respiratory alkalosis, while low HCO3 (14) indicates metabolic compensation. This doesn’t match chest trauma’s ventilatory restriction, which elevates CO2 instead.
Choice D reason: pH 7.26, CO2 (45), and low HCO3 (18) show mixed acidosis. Chest trauma primarily causes respiratory acidosis from CO2 retention, not a significant metabolic drop acutely, making this less precise.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, treats allergies or sleep issues by blocking histamine, not addressing heart failure’s fluid overload or cardiac dysfunction.
Choice B reason: Epinephrine boosts heart rate and pressure in emergencies like anaphylaxis, but it worsens heart failure by increasing cardiac workload, not reducing fluid.
Choice C reason: Propylthiouracil treats hyperthyroidism by inhibiting thyroid hormone, unrelated to heart failure’s need for fluid management or cardiac support.
Choice D reason: Furosemide, a loop diuretic, reduces fluid overload in heart failure by increasing urine output, relieving pulmonary edema and systemic congestion effectively.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Heparin prevents clotting during dialysis but doesn’t reduce hemoglobin or hematocrit directly. It’s not a primary cause of anemia in renal failure, unlike erythropoietin deficiency.
Choice B reason: Kidneys in chronic renal failure fail to produce erythropoietin, a hormone stimulating red blood cell production, leading to low hemoglobin and hematocrit, the key cause here.
Choice C reason: Minor blood loss occurs in dialysis, but it’s not the primary reason for chronic anemia. Erythropoietin deficiency from renal failure has a greater impact on counts.
Choice D reason: Poor protein intake affects overall health but isn’t the main driver of anemia in renal failure. Erythropoietin loss from kidney dysfunction is the dominant factor.
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