A client in the emergency department reports that he has been vomiting excessively for the last 2 days. His arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis shows a pH of 7.50, the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) of 43 mm Hg, partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) of 75 mm Hg, and bicarbonate (HCO3) of 42 mEq/L. Based on these findings, the nurse documents that the client is experiencing which type of acid-base imbalance?

Metabolic Alkalosis

Respiratory Alkalosis

Respiratory Acidosis

Metabolic Acidosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Metabolic Alkalosis:
pH: Elevated (alkalotic).
PaCO2: Normal or slightly decreased (compensation may or may not be present).
HCO3: Elevated.
Explanation: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an excess of bicarbonate (HCO3) in the blood, leading to an elevated pH. In this case, the elevated pH and HCO3 levels suggest that the primary imbalance is metabolic alkalosis.

B. Respiratory Alkalosis:
pH: Elevated (alkalotic).
PaCO2: Decreased (due to hyperventilation, which blows off CO2).
HCO3: Normal or slightly decreased (compensation).
Explanation: Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by low levels of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) due to hyperventilation. However, in the provided ABG, the PaCO2 is not significantly decreased, suggesting that respiratory alkalosis is not the primary issue.

C. Respiratory Acidosis:
pH: Decreased (acidotic).
PaCO2: Increased (due to inadequate ventilation).
HCO3: Normal or slightly elevated (compensation).
Explanation: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by an increase in carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels. In this case, the PaCO2 is within the normal range, indicating that respiratory acidosis is not the primary problem.

D. Metabolic Acidosis:
pH: Decreased (acidotic).
PaCO2: Normal or slightly decreased (compensation).
HCO3: Decreased.
Explanation: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in bicarbonate (HCO3) levels. In this ABG, the HCO3 is elevated, ruling out metabolic acidosis as the primary issue.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. 30 minute onset; 2-hour duration: This does not accurately represent the onset and peak action time of Insulin Lispro.

B. 15 minute onset; 30-60 minutes peak: This is correct. Insulin Lispro has a rapid onset (starts working within 15 minutes) and a peak action time of 30-60 minutes after administration.

C. 2-hour onset; 12-hour duration: This is not accurate for rapid-acting insulin. Rapid-acting insulin has a much quicker onset and shorter duration compared to this option.

D. 15 minute onset; no peak (continuous): While the onset time is correct, stating "no peak" is not entirely accurate. Rapid-acting insulin does have a peak, but it's relatively short, occurring within the first hour after administration.

A. to prevent post-prandial hypoglycemia B. to treat the carbohydrates the client ate C. to treat the client's blood glucose level D. as a basal dose to prevent hyperglycemia for up to 24 hours

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. To prevent post-prandial hypoglycemia:
This statement is not accurate. Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin used for mealtime coverage to manage post-prandial glucose levels, but it is not given to prevent hypoglycemia.

B. To treat the carbohydrates the client ate:
This statement is more accurate. Insulin Lispro is used to cover the rise in blood sugar that occurs after meals. It helps regulate glucose levels by managing the effect of ingested carbohydrates.

C. To treat the client's blood glucose level:
This statement is generally correct. Insulin Lispro is administered to manage and lower elevated blood glucose levels, especially in response to meals.

D. As a basal dose to prevent hyperglycemia for up to 24 hours:
This statement is incorrect. Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin and is not used for basal (long-acting) coverage. Basal insulin is usually provided by long-acting insulin formulations.

View Question and Answer

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with diabetes mellitus is ordered to receive insulin for glucose correction (sliding scale coverage). The nurse knows the rapid acting insulin Insulin Lispro (Humalog) onset and peak action time are:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is preparing to administer Insulin Lispro (Humalog) to a client with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus for sliding scale coverage. The nurse understands the injection is given:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client with Cushing's syndrome is receiving education about dietary changes from the nurse. Which statement by the patient demonstrates the need for further teaching?

An occupational health nurse is screen a group of workers for diabetes. What statement should the nurse interpret as being suggestive of diabetes?

A nurse is performing a physical examination on an adolescent male suspected of having an endocrine disorder. Which of the following assessment findings might be indicative of a problem with the thyroid gland?

A client diagnosed with type 1 diabetes states he is not comfortable with self-injections and asks the nurse if oral an anti- diabetic agent can be prescribed instead. Which of the following responses from the nurse is appropriate?

A nurse is assessing a client who has diabetes for the presence of peripheral neuropathy. The nurse should question the client about what sign or symptom that would suggest the possible development of peripheral neuropathy?

A patient is seeing the nurse practitioner for a 6 months checkup for diabetes mellitus. While reviewing the patient's lab results, which lab best represents the patient has good control of the disease?

The nurse instructs the client about the self-administration of insulin. Which statement or statements by the patient indicate a need for further teaching? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)