A client's arterial blood gas (ABG) results show a pH of 7.30, PaCO2 of 40 mmHg, HCO3- of 20 mEq/L. These findings indicate which of the following conditions?
Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis, uncompensated
Metabolic alkalosis, uncompensated
The Correct Answer is C
A. Respiratory acidosis: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a high PaCO2 level due to hypoventilation or impaired lung function, which is not reflected in this ABG result. The pH of 7.30 indicates acidosis, but the normal PaCO2 of 40 mmHg suggests it is not respiratory in nature.
B. Respiratory alkalosis: Respiratory alkalosis involves a decrease in PaCO2, which is not present here. The PaCO2 of 40 mmHg is within normal range, ruling out this possibility.
C. Metabolic acidosis, uncompensated: The low HCO3- of 20 mEq/L and the pH of 7.30 indicate metabolic acidosis. Since there is no compensation by the lungs (i.e., PaCO2 is not lowered), this is considered uncompensated metabolic acidosis.
D. Metabolic alkalosis, uncompensated: Metabolic alkalosis would involve an elevated HCO3- level and a higher pH, which is not seen in this case. The HCO3- is low, supporting metabolic acidosis, not alkalosis.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Lower oxygen saturations of 93% to 94%: Older adults with pneumothorax may present with lower oxygen saturations as the collapsed lung leads to impaired gas exchange. Oxygen saturation levels of 93% to 94% may indicate mild hypoxemia in these clients.
B. Lower energy expenditure: Pneumothorax in older adults is more likely to result in respiratory symptoms like hypoxemia, rather than directly affecting energy expenditure.
C. Higher oxygen saturations of 98% to 99%: This is unlikely in the presence of pneumothorax, which typically causes hypoxemia due to impaired lung function. High oxygen saturation levels would not be expected.
D. Increased lung capacity: Pneumothorax causes lung collapse, which results in decreased lung capacity and is not associated with increased lung function.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Decreased pulmonary vascular resistance: Pulmonary embolism typically causes increased pulmonary vascular resistance, not decreased. The clot obstructs blood flow in the pulmonary arteries, increasing pressure within the pulmonary vasculature and impairing gas exchange, which can strain the right side of the heart.
B. Hypercapnia: Hypercapnia (elevated carbon dioxide levels) is not commonly seen in the early stages of a pulmonary embolism. Instead, patients tend to hyperventilate in response to hypoxia and anxiety, which lowers CO₂ levels rather than raising them.
C. Hypoventilation: Hypoventilation is not expected with a pulmonary embolism. In fact, most patients initially experience hyperventilation due to the body’s attempt to compensate for impaired oxygenation, leading to decreased CO₂ levels.
D. Respiratory alkalosis: Respiratory alkalosis occurs as a result of hyperventilation caused by anxiety, pain, and hypoxemia in response to the embolism. This leads to excessive loss of CO₂, increasing blood pH and resulting in respiratory alkalosis, which is a common initial finding in pulmonary embolism.
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