A nurse is admitting a client who has gastroenteritis and is reporting numbness and tingling of the toes and fingers. The nurse should recognize the client is experiencing which of the following acid-base imbalances?

Metabolic acidosis

Respiratory alkalosis

Metabolic alkalosis

Respiratory acidosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in bicarbonate or an increase in acids, which can be caused by conditions like kidney failure or diabetic ketoacidosis, but it is not typically associated with numbness and tingling.
B.   Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and a decreased PaCO2 (<35 mm Hg). It typically results from hyperventilation, which leads to excessive elimination of CO2 and subsequent alkalosis. This condition is less likely to occur in gastroenteritis unless there are other complicating factors such as anxiety or pain causing increased respiratory rate.
C.   In the context of gastroenteritis, where there may be a loss of stomach acids through vomiting or diarrhea, the most likely acid-base imbalance would be metabolic alkalosis.
D.   Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH and an elevated PaCO2 (>45 mm Hg). It results from hypoventilation, leading to retention of CO2 and subsequent acidosis. Respiratory acidosis would not typically present with numbness and tingling in the extremities in the context of gastroenteritis.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Metformin is an oral antidiabetic medication commonly used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. It can cause a rare but serious side effect called lactic acidosis, especially in situations where there is impaired kidney function or when the drug interacts with contrast dye used in procedures like cardiac catheterization.
B. Carvedilol is a beta-blocker used to manage hypertension and heart failure. It does not have a significant interaction with contrast dye that would increase the risk of AKI.
C. Atorvastatin is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels. It does not interact with contrast dye in a way that increases the risk of AKI.
D. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator used to relieve angina symptoms. It does not interact with contrast dye in a way that increases the risk of AKI.

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

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. This condition occurs because the suctioning can lead to a significant loss of hydrochloric acid from the stomach. Since hydrochloric acid is one of the components that maintain the acid-base balance in the body, its loss can lead to an increase in blood pH, causing alkalosis
B. Respiratory acidosis occurs due to retention of carbon dioxide (CO2), leading to an increase in PaCO2 and a decrease in pH. In the context of a small bowel obstruction with nasogastric tube suctioning, this is less likely unless there are concurrent respiratory issues.
C. This condition occurs because the suctioning can lead to a significant loss of hydrochloric acid from the stomach. Since hydrochloric acid is one of the components that maintain the acid-base balance in the body, its loss can lead to an increase in blood pH, causing alkalosis. Acidosis is, therefore, unlikely.
D. Respiratory alkalosis occurs due to hyperventilation, leading to a decrease in PaCO2 and an increase in pH. This is less likely in the context of nasogastric tube suctioning unless there are other contributing factors.

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A nurse is admitting a client who has gastroenteritis and is reporting numbness and tingling of the toes and fingers. The nurse should recognize the client is experiencing which of the following acid-base imbalances?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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