A nurse is caring for a client who is hyperventilating and has the following ABG results: pH 7.50 (7.35 to 7.45), PaCO₂ 29 mm Hg (35 to 45 mm Hg), and HCO₃ 25 mEq/L (21 to 28 mEq/L). The nurse should identify that the client has which of the following acid-base imbalances?
Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (below 7.35) and an elevated PaCO₂ (above 45 mm Hg). This condition occurs when there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood due to hypoventilation or impaired lung function. In this case, the client’s pH is elevated, and PaCO₂ is low, which does not align with respiratory acidosis.
Choice B Reason:
Respiratory alkalosis is indicated by a high pH (above 7.45) and a low PaCO₂ (below 35 mm Hg). This condition results from hyperventilation, which causes excessive exhalation of carbon dioxide. The client’s ABG results show a pH of 7.50 and a PaCO₂ of 29 mm Hg, consistent with respiratory alkalosis.
Choice C Reason:
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (below 7.35) and a low HCO₃ (below 21 mEq/L). This condition occurs due to an accumulation of acids or a loss of bicarbonate in the body. The client’s pH is elevated, and HCO₃ is within the normal range, which does not indicate metabolic acidosis.
Choice D Reason:
Metabolic alkalosis is indicated by a high pH (above 7.45) and a high HCO₃ (above 28 mEq/L). This condition results from an excess of bicarbonate or a loss of acids. The client’s pH is elevated, but HCO₃ is within the normal range, which does not support a diagnosis of metabolic alkalosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason
“You are not contagious when lesions are healed.” This statement is incorrect. Genital herpes can still be contagious even when there are no visible lesions. The virus can be shed from the skin and transmitted to others even in the absence of symptoms.
Choice B Reason
“This infection is spread through the air.” This statement is incorrect. Genital herpes is not spread through the air. It is primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, particularly during sexual activity.
Choice C Reason
“Stress can activate an outbreak.” This statement is correct. Stress is a known trigger for reactivation of the herpes simplex virus, leading to outbreaks of genital herpes. Other triggers can include illness, fatigue, and immune suppression.
Choice D Reason
“Antiviral drugs will cure the infection.” This statement is incorrect. While antiviral drugs can help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks, they do not cure the infection. The herpes simplex virus remains in the body and can reactivate.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Notifying the provider if you experience a stinging sensation following administration is not necessary. A mild stinging sensation is a common side effect of timolol eye drops and usually subsides quickly. However, if the stinging persists or is severe, it should be reported.
Choice B Reason:
Watching for a decreased heart rate while using this medication is important. Timolol is a beta-blocker, and one of its systemic side effects can be bradycardia (a slower than normal heart rate). Patients should be aware of this potential side effect and monitor their heart rate regularly.
Choice C Reason:
Developing a harmless darkening of the iris is not associated with timolol. This side effect is more commonly linked to prostaglandin analogs, another class of medications used to treat glaucoma.
Choice D Reason:
Timolol does not cause the lashes of the affected eye to lengthen. This side effect is also associated with prostaglandin analogs, not beta-blockers like timolol.
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