A nurse is caring for a client who has metabolic alkalosis as a result of prolonged nasogastric suctioning. The nurse should expect which of the following arterial blood gas values?
pH 7.50, PaCO2 40 mm Hg, HCO3- 30 mEq/L.
pH 7.35, PaCO2 35 mm Hg, HCO3- 24 mEq/L.
pH 7.25, PaCO2 50 mm Hg, HCO3- 26 mEq/L.
pH 7.30, PaCO2 30 mm Hg, HCO3- 18 mEq/L.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
pH 7.50, PaCO2 40 mm Hg, HCO3- 30 mEq/L. This choice is correct because it shows a high pH, a normal PaCO2, and a high HCO3-, which are consistent with metabolic alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis occurs when there is a loss of acid or a gain of base in the body fluids, such as from prolonged nasogastric suctioning. The kidneys try to compensate by excreting more bicarbonate, but this process is slow and incomplete.
Choice B reason:
pH 7.35, PaCO2 35 mm Hg, HCO3- 24 mEq/L. This choice is incorrect because it shows normal values for pH, PaCO2, and HCO3-, which indicate no acid-base imbalance. A client with metabolic alkalosis would have an elevated pH and bicarbonate level.
Choice C reason:
pH 7.25, PaCO2 50 mm Hg, HCO3- 26 mEq/L. This choice is incorrect because it shows a low pH, a high PaCO2, and a normal HCO3-, which are consistent with respiratory acidosis. Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is impaired gas exchange or hypoventilation, leading to an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood. The kidneys try to compensate by retaining more bicarbonate, but this process is slow and incomplete.
Choice D reason:
pH 7.30, PaCO2 30 mm Hg, HCO3- 18 mEq/L. This choice is incorrect because it shows a low pH, a low PaCO2, and a low HCO3-, which are consistent with metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is a gain of acid or a loss of base in the body fluids, such as from diabetic ketoacidosis or diarrhea. The lungs try to compensate by increasing the rate and depth of breathing to expel more carbon dioxide, but this process is fast and limited.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Administer magnesium sulfate IV. This is correct because magnesium sulfate is the treatment of choice for severe hypomagnesemia. It can rapidly increase the blood level of magnesium and correct the symptoms of deficiency.
Choice B reason:
Monitor the client's blood pressure and heart rate. This is incorrect because monitoring vital signs is not a specific intervention for hypomagnesemia. However, it is important to monitor the client for signs of hypotension and bradycardia, which can occur as adverse effects of magnesium sulfate therapy.
Choice C reason:
Encourage the client to increase intake of green leafy vegetables. This is correct because green leafy vegetables are rich sources of dietary magnesium. Increasing the intake of magnesium-rich foods can help prevent or treat mild hypomagnesemia.
Choice D reason:
Prepare to administer calcium gluconate IV. This is incorrect because calcium gluconate is not indicated for hypomagnesemia. Calcium gluconate is used to treat hypocalcemia, which can occur as a complication of hypomagnesemia. However, calcium gluconate should not be given until the magnesium level is corrected, as low magnesium can impair the response to calcium.
Choice E reason:
Assess the client for Chvostek's sign and Trousseau's sign. This is correct because Chvostek's sign and Trousseau's sign are clinical tests for neuromuscular irritability, which can occur in hypomagnesemia. Chvostek's sign is elicited by tapping the facial nerve in front of the ear and observing for facial twitching. Trousseau's sign is elicited by inflating a blood pressure cuff above the systolic pressure for 3 minutes and observing for carpal spasm.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Sodium. Sodium is not affected by serum phosphate level in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Sodium level is mainly regulated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the antidiuretic hormone. Sodium level can be altered by fluid intake, fluid loss, diuretics, or salt restriction, but not by phosphate level.
Choice B reason:
Magnesium. Magnesium is also not affected by serum phosphate level in CKD patients. Magnesium level is mainly influenced by dietary intake, intestinal absorption, renal excretion, and exchange with bone and soft tissues. Magnesium level can be altered by malnutrition, malabsorption, diarrhea, vomiting, diuretics, or alcoholism, but not by phosphate level.
Choice C reason:
Calcium. Calcium is the correct answer because calcium and phosphate have an inverse relationship in the body. When serum phosphate level is elevated, as in CKD patients, serum calcium level tends to decrease. This is because high phosphate level binds to calcium and forms insoluble complexes that are deposited in soft tissues and bones. This reduces the amount of free calcium in the blood and triggers the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which further lowers the calcium level by increasing its excretion in the urine.
Choice D reason:
Bicarbonate. Bicarbonate is not directly affected by serum phosphate level in CKD patients. Bicarbonate level is mainly determined by the acid-base balance in the body. Bicarbonate level can be altered by metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, respiratory acidosis or alkalosis, renal failure, or diarrhea, but not by phosphate level.
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