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 B
Explanation
A. Respiratory Acidosis, both compensated and uncompensated, is characterized by an elevated PaCO2, which is not present in this case.
B. The elevated pH (7.5) and HCO3 (34 mmol/L) indicate metabolic alkalosis. The elevated pH and the slightly elevated PaCO2 (40 mm Hg) suggest the partially compensated state, which is the respiratory compensation attempting to correct the alkalosis.
C. The fact that the PaCO2 is not low rules out respiratory alkalosis.
D. The arterial blood gas values indicate a high pH (7.5), a normal PaCO2 (40 mm Hg), and an elevated HCO3 (34 mmol/L), which are indicative of metabolic alkalosis. However, the elevated pH and the slightly elevated PaCO2 (40 mm Hg) suggest a partially compensated state.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Metabolic Acidosis, Uncompensated, is ruled out because the elevated PaCO2 and low pH indicate a respiratory problem rather than a metabolic one.
B. Respiratory Alkalosis. Partially Compensated is ruled out because the pH and PaCO2 levels are both abnormal and indicate acidosis rather than alkalosis.
C. The low pH (acidosis) along with the high PaCO2 indicate respiratory acidosis, and there is no evidence of compensation by the kidneys (normal HCO3).
D. Metabolic Alkalosis. Partially Compensated, is ruled out because the pH is low (acidosis) rather than high (alkalosis), and the PaCO2 is elevated, suggesting a respiratory problem rather than a metabolic one.
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