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 D

Explanation

A. A pH of 7.45 indicates alkalosis, not acidosis. In respiratory acidosis, the pH would be lower than normal (below 7.35) due to the accumulation of carbon dioxide.
B. A bicarbonate (HCO3-) level of 30 mEq/L is within the normal range (typically 22-26 mEq/L). Bicarbonate levels may be normal or slightly elevated in respiratory acidosis as a compensatory mechanism to buffer the excess acid.
C. Potassium levels can vary in respiratory acidosis but are not typically specified by a specific value. The level of potassium is more directly related to metabolic acid-base disturbances rather than respiratory acidosis.
D. An elevated PaCO2 level above 45 mm Hg indicates respiratory acidosis. In this scenario, a PaCO2 of 50 mm Hg suggests that the client is retaining carbon dioxide, leading to an acidotic state (lower pH).

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 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

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who has respiratory acidosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is D

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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