A nurse is admitting a client who has status asthmaticus. The client's ABG results are Ph:7.31, Pa02:74mm Hg, PaC02: 56 mmHg and HCO-3: 26mEq/L The nurse should interpret these laboratory values as which of the following imbalances?
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
The Correct Answer is B
The pH value is less than the normal range of 7.35-7.45, indicating acidosis. The PaCO2 value is elevated above the normal range of 35-45 mmHg, indicating respiratory acidosis. The PaO2 value is lower than normal, but not significantly low enough to indicate hypoxemia. The HCO3- level is within the normal range, but not significantly high enough to indicate metabolic compensation for respiratory acidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The nurse's instruction to the patient is to take the antibiotic for the full 7 days, even if symptoms improve in a few days. This is because the full course of antibiotics is needed to eliminate the bacteria causing the UTI, even if the patient starts to feel better before the end of the treatment course. Failure to complete the full course of antibiotics can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance and the recurrence of the infection. The other options are not appropriate or effective measures for managing a UTI with antibiotics.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The statement "I had the stomach flu earlier this week and couldn't take the hydrocortisone" indicates that the patient may not be adhering to their prescribed medication regimen, which can lead to an Addisonian crisis. Therefore, the nursing diagnosis of ineffective therapeutic regimen management related to lack of knowledge of management of the condition is appropriate.
Addison’s disease is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. Hydrocortisone is a glucocorticoid medication that is often used to replace the cortisol that the adrenal glands are not producing. In the Addisonian crisis, the body is unable to produce the necessary levels of cortisol and aldosterone, which can lead to potentially life-threatening complications such as hypotension, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.
The other statements may indicate areas where patient education is needed, but they do not directly relate to the immediate risk of an Addisonian crisis.
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