Which arterial blood gas (ABG) data corresponds with a patient's clinical manifestations of respiratory alkalosis?
pH = 7.46, PaCO2 = 44 mm Hg, PaO2 = 95 mm Hg, and HCO3 = 36 mEq/L.
pH = 7.27, PaCO2 = 70 mm Hg, PaO2 = 80 mm Hg, and HCO3 = 26 mEq/L.
pH = 7.30, PaCO2 = 35 mm Hg, PaO2 = 70 mm Hg, and HCO3 = 20 mEq/L.
pH = 7.52, PaCO2 = 24 mm Hg, PaO2 = 85 mm Hg, and HCO3 = 24 mEq/L.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is Choice D. Then start with Choice A rationale:
Choice A is incorrect because it represents metabolic alkalosis, not respiratory alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis occurs when there is a primary increase in the bicarbonate (HCO3) level, which causes the pH to rise above the normal range (7.35-7.45). The PaCO2 is normal in this case, indicating that the respiratory system is not involved in the acid-base imbalance. Some causes of metabolic alkalosis include vomiting, diuretic use, excessive antacid intake, and mineralocorticoid excess1.
Choice B is incorrect because it represents respiratory acidosis, not respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is a primary decrease in the PaCO2 level, which causes the pH to fall below the normal range. The HCO3 is normal in this case, indicating that the metabolic system is not involved in the acid-base imbalance. Some causes of respiratory acidosis include hypoventilation, airway obstruction, chest trauma, neuromuscular disorders, and chronic lung diseases2.
Choice C is incorrect because it represents metabolic acidosis, not respiratory alkalosis. Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is a primary decrease in the HCO3 level, which causes the pH to fall below the normal range. The PaCO2 is normal in this case, indicating that the respiratory system is not involved in the acid-base imbalance. Some causes of metabolic acidosis include diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, renal failure, diarrhea, and poisoning3.
Choice D is correct because it represents respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is a primary decrease in the PaCO2 level, which causes the pH to rise above the normal range. The HCO3 is normal in this case, indicating that the metabolic system is not involved in the acid-base imbalance. Some causes of respiratory alkalosis include hyperventilation, anxiety, panic, fever, pain, tumor, trauma, severe anemia, liver disease, overdose of certain medicines, pulmonary embolism, pregnancy, and any lung disease that leads to shortness of breath . Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by symptoms such as breathlessness, dizziness, numbness, tingling, muscle spasms, chest discomfort, confusion, and fainting.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Methotrexate is a medication used for cancer and autoimmune diseases. It does not chelate iron and is not used to treat iron overload conditions like hemochromatosis.
Choice B rationale:
Deferoxamine is an iron chelating agent used to treat iron overload conditions like hemochromatosis. It binds to excess iron and promotes its excretion from the body, preventing complications such as organ damage.
Choice C rationale:
Ferrous gluconate is an iron supplement used to treat iron deficiency anemia. It would not be appropriate for a patient with hemochromatosis, a condition characterized by iron overload.
Choice D rationale:
Iron dextran complex is another form of intravenous iron used to treat iron deficiency anemia. It is not indicated for treating iron overload conditions like hemochromatosis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice d. pH = 7.52, PaCO2 = 24 mm Hg, PaO2 = 85 mm Hg, and HCO3 = 24 mEq/L.
Rationales:
Choice A rationale:
- pH = 7.46: This value is slightly alkalotic.
- PaCO2 = 44 mm Hg: This is within the normal range (35-45 mm Hg), indicating that the respiratory system is not contributing to alkalosis.
- PaO2 = 95 mm Hg: This is a normal oxygen level.
- HCO3 = 36 mEq/L: This is elevated, indicating metabolic alkalosis rather than respiratory alkalosis.
Choice B rationale:
- pH = 7.27: This value is acidic, indicating acidosis.
- PaCO2 = 70 mm Hg: This is elevated, indicating respiratory acidosis.
- PaO2 = 80 mm Hg: This is slightly low, indicating mild hypoxemia.
- HCO3 = 26 mEq/L: This is within the normal range, indicating no metabolic compensation.
Choice C rationale:
- pH = 7.30: This value is acidic, indicating acidosis.
- PaCO2 = 35 mm Hg: This is within the normal range, indicating that the respiratory system is not contributing to acidosis.
- PaO2 = 70 mm Hg: This is low, indicating hypoxemia.
- HCO3 = 20 mEq/L: This is low, indicating metabolic acidosis.
Choice D rationale:
- pH = 7.52: This value is alkalotic.
- PaCO2 = 24 mm Hg: This is low, indicating respiratory alkalosis.
- PaO2 = 85 mm Hg: This is a normal oxygen level.
- HCO3 = 24 mEq/L: This is within the normal range, indicating no metabolic compensation.
Choice D corresponds with respiratory alkalosis because the pH is alkalotic, and the PaCO2 is low, indicating that the respiratory system is causing the alkalosis. The HCO3 is within the normal range, showing no metabolic compensation.
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