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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. 167 mEq/L: This indicates hypernatremia, which is typically associated with fluid volume deficit due to water loss, not fluid overload.
B. 142 mEq/L: This is a normal sodium level and does not indicate fluid imbalance on its own.
C. 136 mEq/L: Also within the normal reference range (135–145 mEq/L) and does not signal fluid excess.
D. 116 mEq/L: This level represents severe hyponatremia, commonly seen in fluid volume excess. In conditions like heart failure or renal failure, water retention can dilute serum sodium. The patient’s symptoms (dyspnea, crackles, and edema) are consistent with fluid overload and dilutional hyponatremia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Respiratory alkalosis would present with an elevated pH and decreased PaCO₂, which is not consistent with these results.
B. Respiratory acidosis is indicated by a low pH (7.20) and an elevated PaCO₂ (50 mm Hg), with a normal HCO₃⁻ (24 mEq/L), suggesting uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
C. Metabolic alkalosis would present with an increased pH and elevated HCO₃⁻.
D. Metabolic acidosis would show a low pH and low HCO₃⁻, not an elevated PaCO₂.
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.