A nurse assesses a diabetic client who is admitted with an acid-base imbalance. The client's arterial blood gas values are pH 7.39, PaCO2 27 mm Hg, and HCO3 19 mEq/L. Which sign or symptom does the nurse identify as an example of the client's compensatory mechanisms?

Increased release of acids from the kidneys.

Increased urinary output.

Increased thirst and hunger.

Increased rate and depth of respirations.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   This is not a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis. In fact, during metabolic acidosis, the kidneys excrete hydrogen ions (acid) and reabsorb bicarbonate (base) to help normalize the pH of the blood.
B.   Increased urinary output (polyuria) is not typically a direct compensatory response to metabolic acidosis. However, metabolic acidosis can lead to osmotic diuresis in certain conditions, which may increase urinary output as the body tries to excrete excess acids and maintain electrolyte balance.
C.   Increased thirst (polydipsia) and hunger (polyphagia) are not typical compensatory responses to metabolic acidosis. These symptoms are more associated with hyperglycemia in diabetes rather than acid-base disturbances.
D.   During metabolic acidosis, the respiratory system compensates by increasing the rate and depth of respirations (hyperventilation). By blowing off more CO2 (carbon dioxide), the body tries to decrease the

amount of carbonic acid in the blood, thereby increasing the pH towards normal. This compensatory mechanism helps to raise the pH back towards the normal range (7.35-7.45).

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. This statement suggests symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency or glossitis, which are not typical signs of digoxin toxicity. Therefore, it is unlikely to indicate digoxin toxicity.
B. Blurred vision is a common neurological symptom of digoxin toxicity. It occurs due to disturbances in visual acuity and color vision, which can manifest as seeing halos around lights or difficulty focusing. Therefore, this statement is indicative of potential digoxin toxicity.
C. Weight gain can occur due to fluid retention, which is a symptom of heart failure rather than digoxin toxicity. Digoxin toxicity typically presents with neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms rather than weight gain.
D. Constipation is not typically associated with digoxin toxicity. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and anorexia are more common with digoxin toxicity, but constipation is not a specific indicator.

A. Metabolic alkalosis B. Respiratory acidosis C. Metabolic acidosis D. Respiratory alkalosis

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and an elevated bicarbonate (HCO3-). The ABG results show a pH of 7.32 (which is acidic), PaCO2 of 48 mm Hg (slightly elevated), and HCO3- of 23 mEq/L (within normal range). These findings do not indicate metabolic alkalosis.
B. Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and an elevated PaCO2 (>45 mm Hg). The ABG results show a pH of 7.32 (acidic) and a PaCO2 of 48 mm Hg (slightly elevated). These findings are consistent with respiratory acidosis, where the elevated PaCO2 indicates inadequate ventilation leading to retention of carbon dioxide and subsequent acidosis.

C. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and a decreased bicarbonate (HCO3-). The ABG results show a pH of 7.32 (acidic) and HCO3- of 23 mEq/L (normal). These findings are not indicative of metabolic acidosis.
D. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and a decreased PaCO2 (<35 mm Hg). The ABG results show a pH of 7.32 (acidic) and a PaCO2 of 48 mm Hg (elevated). These findings do not indicate respiratory alkalosis.

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A nurse assesses a diabetic client who is admitted with an acid-base imbalance. The client's arterial blood gas values are pH 7.39, PaCO2 27 mm Hg, and HCO3 19 mEq/L. Which sign or symptom does the nurse identify as an example of the client's compensatory mechanisms?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in a clinic is caring for a client who has a prescription for digoxin. Which of the following statements indicates the client is experiencing digoxin toxicity?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas values for a client. The pH is 7.32, PaCO2 48 mm Hg and the HCO3 is 23 mEq/L. The nurse should recognize that these findings indicate of which of the following acid base balances?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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