A 25-year-old patient with generalized anxiety disorder presents to the ED with shortness of breath, dizziness, and tingling in the fingers. The nurse reviews the ABG results: pH: 7.50, PaCO2: 30 mmHg HCO3: 24 mEq/L. What is the most likely acid-base imbalance?

Respiratory acidosis

Metabolic alkalosis

Respiratory alkalosis

Metabolic acidosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Respiratory acidosis would present with a low pH (acidotic) and a high PaCO2, which is not the case here.

B. Metabolic alkalosis would be suggested by an elevated pH and elevated HCO3, but here, the bicarbonate level is normal (24 mEq/L).

C. Respiratory alkalosis is indicated by a pH of 7.50 (alkalosis) and a PaCO2 of 30 mmHg, which is lower than the normal range (35-45 mmHg). This low PaCO2 suggests that the patient is hyperventilating, likely due to anxiety, which causes the body to excrete too much CO2.

D. Metabolic acidosis would present with a low pH and a low bicarbonate level, neither of which are seen in this case.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Agoraphobia is marked by the fear of being in situations where escape may be difficult or help unavailable in case of panic-like symptoms. It is not characterized by generalized worry.

B. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry that is difficult to control and is associated with a variety of circumstances. Individuals with GAD often experience chronic worry about multiple life domains, without a specific focus.

C. Separation anxiety disorder involves excessive fear of being separated from loved ones or familiar environments, which is different from generalized worry about multiple life events.

D. Panic disorder involves recurrent panic attacks that are not necessarily related to generalized anxiety or worry about various life situations.

A. Fear of impending doom B. Obsessions C. Apathy D. Fever

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. A common symptom of panic attacks is the intense feeling of fear of impending doom, which can overwhelm the individual during an attack. The client may feel like something catastrophic is going to happen, even if no actual threat exists.

B. Obsessions are more commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), not panic attacks.

C. Apathy, or lack of emotion or interest, is typically not associated with panic attacks but may be seen in depression or certain other mental health conditions.

D. Fever is not a symptom of panic attacks but could be indicative of an infection or illness.

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A 25-year-old patient with generalized anxiety disorder presents to the ED with shortness of breath, dizziness, and tingling in the fingers. The nurse reviews the ABG results: pH: 7.50, PaCO2: 30 mmHg HCO3: 24 mEq/L. What is the most likely acid-base imbalance?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing excessive anxiety and worry in response to a variety of circumstances, and is unable to control their sense of worry. The nurse should identity that these manifestations indicate which of the following?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A symptom commonly associated with panic attacks?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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