A nurse is caring for a client whose arterial blood gas results show a pH of 7.3 and a Paco2 of 50 mm Hg. The nurse should identify that the client is experiencing which of the following acid-base imbalances?
Respiratory acidosis.
Metabolic acidosis.
Metabolic alkalosis.
Respiratory alkalosis.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
The arterial blood gas results show a low pH (acidosis) and an elevated Paco2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide), which indicates respiratory acidosis. This condition occurs when there is inadequate removal of carbon dioxide through ventilation, leading to an accumulation of carbonic acid in the blood and a decrease in pH.
Choice B rationale:
Metabolic acidosis would present with a low pH and a low bicarbonate (HCO3-) level, not an elevated Paco2.
Choice C rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis would present with a high pH and an elevated bicarbonate (HCO3-) level, not an elevated Paco2.
Choice D rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis would present with a high pH and a decreased Paco2, not an elevated Paco2 as seen in this case.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Extracellular fluid deficit.
Choice A rationale:
Intracellular fluid deficit is a decrease in the fluid inside the cells, which may occur in conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis. Severe burns are more likely to cause extracellular fluid shifts rather than intracellular fluid deficits.
Choice B rationale:
Interstitial fluid deficit involves a decrease in fluid in the interstitial spaces between cells. While burns can lead to fluid shifts, the primary concern is fluid loss from the vascular space (extracellular fluid).
Choice C rationale:
Intracellular fluid overload is not a typical health problem associated with severe burns. Burn injuries are more likely to cause fluid loss and shifts out of the intracellular space.
Choice D rationale:
Severe burns can result in significant loss of plasma and extracellular fluid, leading to hypovolemia and extracellular fluid deficit. This fluid loss can lead to hypovolemic shock and other complications if not adequately managed.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Patients with bulimia are at increased risk for developing metabolic alkalosis due to recurrent vomiting, which leads to loss of hydrochloric acid from the stomach and results in an elevated blood bicarbonate level.
Choice B rationale: Patients with COPD are more likely to develop respiratory acidosis due to retention of carbon dioxide, not metabolic alkalosis.
Choice C rationale: Patients with venous stasis ulcers do not have a direct association with metabolic alkalosis.
Choice D rationale: Patients on dialysis are more likely to experience metabolic acidosis due to impaired kidney function and inability to excrete acid effectively.
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