A nurse is caring for a client who has the following arterial blood gas results: HCO3-, 18 mEq, PaCO, 28 mm Hg and pH 7.30. The nurse recognizes the client is experiencing which of the following acid base imbalances?
Respiratory acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
The Correct Answer is D
A. Respiratory acidosis would typically involve an elevated PaCO2, which is not seen in this case.
B. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an elevated bicarbonate level, which is not present in this scenario.
C. Respiratory alkalosis would present with a low PaCO2 and an elevated pH, which is not the case here.
D. The low bicarbonate level (HCO3) 18mEq/L (normal range of 22-26 mEq/L), and low pH 7.30 (normal range of 7.35-7.45), indicate metabolic acidosis. suggesting acidemia. The PaCO2 is also low at 28 mm Hg, indicating a respiratory compensation for the metabolic acidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Black Americans have a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus compared to other racial/ethnic groups in the United States, and diabetes is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease.
B. While Hispanic/Latino individuals also have an increased risk of diabetes mellitus, it is less pronounced compared to Black Americans.
C. Non-Hispanic White individuals have a lower prevalence of diabetes mellitus compared to Black and Hispanic/Latino populations.
D. Asian Americans have a varied prevalence of diabetes mellitus depending on specific ethnicities within this group, but it is generally lower than in Black Americans.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and low bicarbonate levels (HCO3).
B. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and high bicarbonate levels (HCO3).
C. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and low PaCO2 levels.
D. The pH is below the normal range (7.35-7.45), indicating acidosis. The PaCO2 is elevated, indicating respiratory acidosis, as an increase in PaCO2 leads to an increase in carbonic acid and a decrease in pH.
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