A client is admitted to the medical-surgical unit with a chief complaint of prolonged vomiting over the past 24 hours. Based on the arterial blood gas (ABG) results of pH 7.5. PaCO2 36, HCO3 40, the nurse determines that the client is experiencing:
respiratory alkalosis.
respiratory acidosis.
metabolic acidosis.
metabolic alkalosis.
The Correct Answer is D
D. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an increased pH (alkalosis) and an increased HCO3. In this case, the pH is elevated (7.5), indicating alkalosis, which supports metabolic alkalosis. The HCO3 is elevated at 40 mEq/L, which further supports metabolic alkalosis. The PaCO2 is normal or slightly low (36 mmHg), which can occur as a compensatory response to metabolic alkalosis.

A. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by an increase in pH (alkalosis) and a decrease in PaCO2 (hypocapnia). In this scenario, the pH is elevated (7.5), which indicates alkalosis. The PaCO2 is 36 mmHg, which is within the normal range (35-45 mmHg) but slightly on the lower side (slight hypocapnia). The HCO3 is elevated at 40 mEq/L, which suggests a compensatory response by the kidneys to retain bicarbonate to counteract the alkalosis.
B. Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a decrease in pH (acidosis) and an increase in PaCO2 (hypercapnia). In this case, the pH is elevated (7.5), indicating alkalosis, which contradicts respiratory acidosis. The PaCO2 is 36 mmHg, which is normal or slightly low, not high as expected in respiratory acidosis. The elevated HCO3 (40 mEq/L) suggests a compensatory metabolic response to the alkalosis, not to acidosis.
C. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decreased pH (acidosis) and a decreased HCO3. In this scenario, the pH is elevated (7.5), indicating alkalosis, which contradicts metabolic acidosis. The HCO3 is elevated at 40 mEq/L, indicating metabolic alkalosis rather than metabolic acidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Congruent communication occurs when verbal and nonverbal messages are consistent with each other. In the scenario, the nurse's direct eye contact, pleasant expression, and verbal statement ("The colostomy looks good") appear to be aligned and supportive of each other. This demonstrates congruence in communication, where both verbal and nonverbal cues are reinforcing a positive message to the client.
A. Introductory communication typically refers to the initial phase of interaction where the nurse establishes rapport, introduces themselves, and sets the tone for the interaction. This does not directly apply to the nurse's actions described in the scenario of changing a client's colostomy bag.
B. Noncongruent communication occurs when there is a mismatch between verbal and nonverbal messages. In this scenario, the nurse makes direct eye contact, has a pleasant expression, and verbally reassures the client that "the colostomy looks good." If these nonverbal cues (eye contact, pleasant expression) are not aligned with the verbal message (reassuring statement), it would be noncongruent communication. However, based on the scenario, it seems the nurse's nonverbal cues (eye contact, pleasant expression) support the verbal message, so this option is less likely.
C. Nonverbal communication includes gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, body language, and tone of voice. In the scenario described, the nurse demonstrates nonverbal communication by making direct eye contact and having a pleasant expression while interacting with the client. Nonverbal communication is an important aspect of nursing care as it conveys empathy, reassurance, and attentiveness to the client's needs.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. These effects are not the primary intended outcomes of the medication, but are known possible reactions that can occur in addition to the main therapeutic effect.
A. Synergistic effects refer to the combined action of two or more substances or medications that results in an effect greater than the sum of their individual effects.
B. Adverse effects are unintended and potentially harmful effects of a medication, even when the medication is used at therapeutic doses and in the correct manner.
C. Therapeutic effects are the desired and beneficial effects of a medication that contribute to treating or managing a medical condition. These effects are intended and typically guide the prescribing and administration of medications.
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