A client is admitted to the emergency room with a respiratory rate of 7/min. Arterial blood gases (ABG) reveal the following values. Which of the following is an appropriate analysis of the ABGs? pH 7.22, PacO₂ 68 mm Hg, Base excess -2, PaO₂ 78 mm Hg, Saturation 80%, Bicarbonate 26 mEq/L.
Metabolic alkalosis.
Respiratory acidosis.
Metabolic acidosis.
Respiratory alkalosis.
The Correct Answer is B
Respiratory acidosis.
Choice A rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis occurs when there is an increase in pH and bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) levels, which is not the case here. The pH value in this scenario is 7.22, indicating acidosis.
Choice B rationale:
Respiratory acidosis results from the retention of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) in the blood, leading to a decrease in pH. In this case, the pH is low (7.22), and the PacO₂ is elevated (68 mm Hg), supporting the diagnosis of respiratory acidosis.
Choice C rationale:
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in pH and bicarbonate levels, along with a possible negative base excess. However, in this scenario, the base excess is -2, which does not indicate metabolic acidosis.
Choice D rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is a decrease in PaCO₂, leading to an increase in blood pH. The ABG values provided (pH 7.22, PacO₂ 68 mm Hg) are not consistent with respiratory alkalosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Fluid volume overload is an excess of fluid in the intravascular and/or interstitial spaces. One of the hallmark signs of fluid volume overload is distended neck veins, which indicates increased venous pressure due to the accumulation of fluid. The neck veins become more visible and prominent, especially when the patient is in a semi-Fowler's position.
Choice B rationale:
Poor skin turgor is a sign of dehydration, not fluid volume overload. It is characterized by the skin's inability to return to its normal position after being gently pinched. In fluid volume overload, the skin may become edematous and puffy, but it does not exhibit poor turgor.
Choice C rationale:
Concentrated hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are seen in conditions of dehydration or hemoconcentration, not in fluid volume overload. In fluid volume overload, there is excess fluid, which may lead to dilutional effects, resulting in decreased concentration of blood components.
Choice D rationale:
Decreased urine output is associated with fluid volume deficit (dehydration) rather than fluid volume overload. In fluid volume overload, there is often an increase in urine output as the body tries to eliminate the excess fluid.
Correct Answer is ["A","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Romaine lettuce is a good dietary source of magnesium. Since the patient has a low serum magnesium level, suggesting foods rich in magnesium like romaine lettuce can help improve magnesium levels.
Choice B rationale:
Lean red meat is not a good suggestion for a patient with low magnesium levels. While it contains magnesium, it is not as rich in magnesium as some other food choices.
Choice C rationale:
Almonds are a good dietary source of magnesium and can be recommended to the patient with low magnesium levels to help increase their magnesium intake.
Choice D rationale:
White rice is not a significant source of magnesium and may not be helpful in improving the patient's low magnesium levels.
Choice E rationale:
Seafood is a good source of various nutrients but is not particularly rich in magnesium compared to other options like almonds and romaine lettuce. Thus, it may not be the best suggestion for the patient's low magnesium levels.
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