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 D

Explanation

Rationale:

A. Circumoral numbness and tingling are typically associated with respiratory alkalosis, not acidosis.
B. Muscle flaccidity is more indicative of electrolyte imbalances or late-stage neurologic decline, but not a key early sign of respiratory acidosis.
C. Cool, clammy skin may occur with shock or hypoperfusion, but is not a hallmark sign of respiratory acidosis.
D. Decreased level of consciousness is a key manifestation of acute respiratory acidosis, as rising CO₂ levels depress the central nervous system, leading to confusion, lethargy, and eventually coma if untreated.

A. Have the laboratory draw a blood sample for an erythrocyte sedimentation rate. B. Administer potassium gluconate 40 mEq orally. C. Restrict fluid intake. D. Obtain a 12-lead ECG.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale:
A. An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is used to detect inflammation but is not relevant in the immediate management of hyperkalemia.
B. Administering potassium would worsen the client's already elevated potassium level.
C. Restricting fluids is not an appropriate initial response for hyperkalemia and can increase the risk of complications.
D. A potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L is critically high and can cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. A 12-lead ECG is essential to assess for cardiac effects of hyperkalemia, such as peaked T waves or widened QRS complexes.

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

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has pneumonia and is experiencing acute respiratory acidosis. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect to find?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values for a client who takes spironolactone and notes that the client's serum potassium level is 6.8 mEq/L. The nurse notifies the provider and anticipates that the provider will provide which of the following instructions?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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