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A nurse is caring for a client who has acute kidney injury. The client's ABGS are:

PH:7.26

PaCO2: 30 mm Hg

HCO3: 14 mEq/L

Which of the following acid-imbalances should the nurse identify the client is experiencing?

A.

Metabolic alkalosis

B.

Respiratory acidosis

C.

Respiratory alkalosis

D.

Metabolic acidosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

(A) Metabolic alkalosis: This condition is characterized by a high blood pH (>7.45) and a high bicarbonate level (>26 mEq/L). The client’s pH and bicarbonate levels are both lower than normal, which rules out metabolic alkalosis.

(B) Respiratory acidosis: This condition is characterized by a low blood pH (<7.35) and a high PaCO2 level (>45 mm Hg). Although the client’s pH is low, the PaCO2 level is also low, which rules out respiratory acidosis.

 (c) Respiratory alkalosis: This condition is characterized by a high blood pH (>7.45) and a low PaCO2 level (<35 mm Hg). The client’s pH is low, which rules out respiratory alkalosis.

(D) Metabolic acidosis: This condition is characterized by a low blood pH (<7.35) and a low bicarbonate level (<22 mEq/L). The client’s pH is 7.26 and bicarbonate level is 14 mEq/L, both of which are lower than normal. This indicates metabolic acidosis, which is common in clients with acute kidney injury as the kidneys are unable to excrete hydrogen ions and reabsorb bicarbonate. Therefore, the nurse should identify that the client is experiencing metabolic acidosis.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

(A) Kernig’s sign: Kernig’s sign is a clinical sign in which severe stiffness of the hamstrings causes an inability to straighten the leg when the hip is flexed to 90 degrees. It is commonly associated with meningitis, not hypocalcemia.

(B) Brudzinski’s sign: Brudzinski’s sign is a symptom of meningitis. It is not associated with hypocalcemia.

(C) Chvostek’s sign: This is the most appropriate answer. Chvostek’s sign is a clinical sign of existing nerve hyperexcitability (tetany) seen in hypocalcemia. It refers to an abnormal reaction to the stimulation of the facial nerve.

(D) Cullen’s sign: Cullen’s sign is a medical term referring to superficial edema and bruising in the subcutaneous fatty tissue around the umbilicus. It is not associated with hypocalcemia.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Open access peer-reviewed articles must be purchased by the user: This is not accurate. Open access articles are freely available to the public and do not require purchase.

B. Editorial opinion articles by journalists can be as relevant as peer-reviewed articles: While editorial opinion articles can provide valuable insights, they are not subjected to the same rigorous review process as peer-reviewed articles. Therefore, they are not considered as reliable or authoritative as peer-reviewed articles.

C. Peer-reviewed articles are not considered scholarly sources of evidence: This is incorrect. Peer-reviewed articles are considered one of the highest levels of scholarly sources of evidence. They have been reviewed and approved by experts in the field before publication.

D. Peer-reviewed articles have been through laborious review by other professionals: This is correct. Peer-reviewed articles undergo a rigorous review process by experts in the field, ensuring the research is of high quality and the findings are valid.

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