A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia with dyspnea. The client's ABG results are pH 7.30, PaCO2 50 mm Hg, HCO3 26 mEq/L. The nurse should recognize that the client has which of the following acid-base imbalances?
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic alkalosis
The Correct Answer is B
This ABG result indicates that the client has an excess of carbon dioxide (CO2) due to hypoventilation.
A. "Metabolic acidosis" is an incorrect answer because the pH is low and the HCO3 is within normal range.
C. "Respiratory alkalosis" is an incorrect answer because the pH is low and the PaCO2 is elevated.
D. "Metabolic alkalosis" is an incorrect answer because the HCO3 is within normal range, and the pH is low.
Explanation: The ABG result shows a low pH, elevated PaCO2, and normal HCO3, indicating respiratory acidosis. This condition can be caused by conditions that affect breathing, such as pneumonia, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B, a client who had abdominal surgery 2 days ago and the incision line is separating. This client requires immediate attention as a separating incision can indicate wound dehiscence or evisceration, which are surgical emergencies. Choice A is incorrect because although C. difficile is a serious infection, liquid stools are a common symptom and do not require immediate attention. Choice C is incorrect because intermittent coughing up clear sputum is a normal finding for a client with a tracheostomy, and does not indicate a change in the client's condition. Choice D is incorrect because the client fell 12 hours ago and reports pain as 4 on a scale of 0 to 10, which indicates a low level of pain.
Choice A: A client who has Clostridium difficile and has liquid stools is incorrect because although C. difficile is a serious infection, liquid stools are a common symptom and do not require immediate attention.
Choice C: A client who has a chronic tracheostomy and is intermittently coughing up clear sputum is incorrect because intermittent coughing up clear sputum is a normal finding for a client with a tracheostomy, and does not indicate a change in the client's condition.
Choice D: A client who fell 12 hours ago and reports pain as 4 on a scale of 0 to 10 is incorrect because the level of pain is low and does not require immediate attention.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Redness around the incision line. Redness around the incision line indicates inflammation and is a sign of wound infection. Bruising around the wound and crusting along the incision are normal findings in the early postoperative period. Serous wound drainage is a normal finding after surgery and is not an indication of infection.
B. Bruising around the wound: This is a normal finding in the early postoperative period.
C. Serous wound drainage: This is a normal finding after surgery and is not an indication of infection.
D. Crustin
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