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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A normal blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mm Hg. The given reading of 142/91 mm Hg indicates elevated blood pressure.
Choice B rationale:
Prehypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure between 120-139 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure between 80-89 mm Hg. The diastolic reading of 91 mm Hg places this patient in the stage 1 hypertension category.
Choice D rationale:
Hypertension, stage 2, is characterized by a systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher and a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher. While the systolic reading meets the criteria, the diastolic reading of 91 mm Hg falls into the stage 1 hypertension category.
Correct Answer is ["C","B"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Anemia is not a direct manifestation of target organ damage from hypertension.
Choice B rationale:
Aneurysm is a correct answer. Persistent high blood pressure can weaken the walls of arteries, making them more susceptible to forming an aneurysm. Aneurysms can occur in various arteries, such as the aorta, and can lead to life-threatening complications if they rupture.
Choice C rationale:
Proteinuria is also a correct answer. Hypertension can damage the kidneys, leading to proteinuria, the presence of excess proteins in the urine. This is an indication of kidney damage and is a common manifestation of hypertensive target organ disease.
Choice D rationale:
Pneumonia and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) are not direct manifestations of target organ damage from hypertension.
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