Which laboratory data and clinical manifestations cause you to suspect your client may be experiencing acidosis?

A serum potassium of 6.5 mEq/L and flaccid paralysis

A serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L and hyperactive deep tendon reflexes (DTRS)

A serum sodium of 144 mEq/L and tachycardia

A serum sodium of 130 mEq/L and peripheral edema

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Rationale:
A. A serum potassium of 6.5 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia, which can occur in acidosis as hydrogen ions shift into cells and potassium shifts out. Flaccid paralysis is a serious neuromuscular manifestation of severe hyperkalemia and supports a diagnosis of acidosis.
B. A potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L is normal, and hyperactive DTRs are more often associated with alkalosis, not acidosis.
C. A sodium level of 144 mEq/L is normal, and while tachycardia may occur in many conditions, it is nonspecific and does not indicate acidosis.
D. A sodium level of 130 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, and peripheral edema is more related to fluid imbalance or heart failure, not acidosis.

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Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Dysrhythmias may occur due to increased CO₂ levels and acid-base imbalance affecting cardiac conduction.
B. Barrel chest is a common physical finding in clients with chronic COPD due to air trapping and lung hyperinflation.
C. Difficulty arousing the client may indicate CO₂ narcosis, a sign of worsening respiratory acidosis.
D. Confusion and disorientation, such as repeatedly asking "Where am I?", are neurological signs of elevated CO₂ levels.
E. Deep, rapid respirations (Kussmaul respirations) are typical of metabolic acidosis, not respiratory acidosis from COPD.

A. Increased bowel sounds B. Reports of numbness in the feet C. Positive Trousseau's sign D. Reports of fatigue

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Increased bowel sounds are more commonly associated with conditions like diarrhea or early bowel obstruction, not hypokalemia.
B. Numbness in the feet is more characteristic of peripheral neuropathy or hypocalcemia, not a typical early sign of hypokalemia.
C. A positive Trousseau's sign indicates hypocalcemia, not hypokalemia.
D. Reports of fatigue are a common and early manifestation of hypokalemia due to muscle weakness and decreased cellular function resulting from low potassium levels.

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Which laboratory data and clinical manifestations cause you to suspect your client may be experiencing acidosis?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The client is experiencing respiratory acidosis as a result of COPD is likely to present with which of the following clinical signs? (Select 4 options that apply)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

A nurse in a provider's office is collecting data from a client who takes furosemide daily for heart failure. Which of the following findings is a manifestation of hypokalemia?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Interpret the ABG: pH 7.41, PaCO2 45mmHg. HCO3 26, PaO2 84 mmHg. SaO2 97%

A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has a new prescription for spironolactone. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor for this client?

During a change-of-shift report, a nurse sees that a client's IV bag of 0.9% sodium chloride has 900 mL of fluid left in it. The nurse makes rounds 30 min later and notes that the IV bag is empty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is reviewing a client's admission laboratory findings that indicate the client has hyponatremia. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse also expect to be below the expected reference range?

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who takes furosemide and has a serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. Which of the following foods should the nurse instruct the client to include in his daily diet?

When caring for a client with an acid-base imbalance, which serum electrolytes are essential for a nurse to monitor? (Select 2 that apply)

A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for metabolic acidosis. Which mechanism should the nurse identify as the first line of defense against changes in the pH of the blood?