A client has the following laboratory values: a pH of 7.55, an HCO3 level of 22 mEq/L, and a PaCO2 of 30 mmHg. Which action would the nurse plan to take?

Prepare the client for IV infusion of normal saline

Perform Allen's test

Encourage the client to increase breathing

Encourage the client to slow down breathing

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because normal saline is not indicated for this client. Normal saline is a isotonic solution that does not alter the acid-base balance. The client has respiratory alkalosis, which is caused by hyperventilation and results in a high pH and a low PaCO2.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because Allen's test is not relevant for this client. Allen's test is a test to assess the patency of the radial and ulnar arteries before performing an arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling or cannulation. The client already has ABG results, so there is no need to perform Allen's test.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because increasing breathing would worsen the client's condition. Increasing breathing would cause the client to exhale more carbon dioxide, which would lower the PaCO2 and raise the pH even more. This would increase the severity of respiratory alkalosis.

Choice D reason: This is correct because slowing down breathing would help the client to correct the respiratory alkalosis. Slowing down breathing would allow the client to retain more carbon dioxide, which would increase the PaCO2 and lower the pH. This would bring the acid-base balance closer to normal.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is correct because acidosis is a condition where the serum pH is lower than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45. Acidosis can be caused by an excess of acids or a loss of bases in the body, which can affect the function of various organs and systems.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because equal bicarbonate is not a condition, but a term that describes the balance between bicarbonate (HCO3-) and carbonic acid (H2CO3) in the blood. Bicarbonate is a base that buffers the acids in the blood and maintains the pH. Equal bicarbonate means that the ratio of bicarbonate to carbonic acid is 20:1, which is the normal value.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because neutral carbonic acid is not a condition, but a term that describes the pH of carbonic acid (H2CO3) in the blood. Carbonic acid is an acid that forms when carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolves in water. Neutral carbonic acid means that the pH of carbonic acid is 7.0, which is neither acidic nor basic.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because alkalosis is a condition where the serum pH is higher than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45. Alkalosis can be caused by a loss of acids or an excess of bases in the body, which can affect the function of various organs and systems.

A. Amino acids B. Magnesium C. Phosphates D. Glucose

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because amino acids are electrolytes. Electrolytes are substances that dissociate into ions when dissolved in water and conduct electricity. Amino acids have both positive and negative charges and can form ions in solution.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because magnesium is an electrolyte. Magnesium is a metal that forms positive ions (cations) when dissolved in water. Magnesium is important for muscle and nerve function, as well as bone health.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because phosphates are electrolytes. Phosphates are compounds that contain the phosphate ion (PO4 3-), which is a negative ion (anion) in solution. Phosphates are involved in energy metabolism, acid-base balance, and bone formation.

Choice D reason: This is correct because glucose is a nonelectrolyte. Nonelectrolytes are substances that do not dissociate into ions when dissolved in water and do not conduct electricity. Glucose is a simple sugar that dissolves as a whole molecule in water. Glucose is the main source of energy for the body.

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A client has the following laboratory values: a pH of 7.55, an HCO3 level of 22 mEq/L, and a PaCO2 of 30 mmHg. Which action would the nurse plan to take?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Explanation

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