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 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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Working in undeveloped areas increases general infection risk, but hepatitis B specifically requires blood or fluid exposure, less likely without direct contact.
Choice B reason: Attending a conference poses low hepatitis B risk, as it’s not spread by casual contact, requiring blood or sexual transmission, not typical here.
Choice C reason: Assisting in birth involves fluid exposure, but two weeks is too short for hepatitis B symptoms; incubation is 45-180 days, so unlikely.
Choice D reason: Tattooing with unsterile needles risks hepatitis B via bloodborne transmission, matching the 90-day incubation period, the most likely risk here.
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.