A nurse is caring for a client whose arterial blood gas results show the following results:. pH: 7.2. PaCO2: 50 mm Hg. HCO3: 24 mEq/L. The nurse should identify the client is experiencing which of the following acid-base conditions?
Respiratory acidosis.
Metabolic alkalosis.
Metabolic acidosis.
Respiratory alkalosis.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
The client's arterial blood gas (ABG) results indicate a low pH (acidemia) and high PaCO2, which is characteristic of respiratory acidosis. Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is inadequate removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body, leading to an accumulation of CO2 and a decrease in pH. In this case, the high PaCO2 (50 mm Hg) indicates that the client is retaining carbon dioxide, likely due to impaired ventilation. The normal pH range is 7.35 to 7.45, and the normal PaCO2 range is 35 to 45 mm Hg. These ABG values reflect an acid-base imbalance in the respiratory system, specifically, respiratory acidosis.
Choice B rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an elevated pH and an increase in bicarbonate (HCO3) levels. This is not the condition described in the client's ABG results, as the pH is low (acidemic) and HCO3 levels are within the normal range (24 mEq/L).
Choice C rationale:
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a decreased HCO3 level. The client's ABG results do not align with metabolic acidosis since the pH is low (acidemic) and the HCO3 level is within the normal range (24 mEq/L).
Choice D rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and low PaCO2. The client's ABG results do not match this condition as the pH is low (acidemic) and the PaCO2 is high (50 mm Hg), indicating respiratory acidosis. Therefore, choice A, respiratory acidosis, is the correct interpretation of the ABG results.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should identify that an effective outcome of IV fluid replacement in a client with dehydration is an increase in urine output. Urine output of 200 mL in 4 hours indicates that the kidneys are responding to the IV fluid replacement, and the client is likely rehydrating. This suggests that the renal perfusion has improved, and the client's body is eliminating waste products properly.
Choice B rationale:
A heart rate of 104 beats per minute is not necessarily indicative of the effectiveness of IV fluid replacement. Heart rate may vary for various reasons, and it is not a specific parameter for assessing the response to hydration. Other factors, such as blood pressure, should be considered to evaluate cardiovascular status.
Choice C rationale:
Peripheral pulses of +1 are not a direct indicator of the effectiveness of IV fluid replacement. While improved hydration may lead to better peripheral perfusion, this assessment is somewhat subjective and may not accurately reflect the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
Choice D rationale:
A urine specific gravity of 1.04 is not indicative of the effectiveness of IV fluid replacement. A specific gravity of 1.004 is within the normal range (normal range: 1.005-1.030) and does not necessarily indicate hydration status. It is essential to focus on urine output and other objective parameters to assess the effectiveness of hydration therapy. .
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Withholding the digoxin dose for a decreased heart rate is the correct action. Digoxin is a medication used to treat heart failure, but it can lead to bradycardia (slow heart rate) as a side effect. In this scenario, the client's heart rate is already at 54 beats per minute, which is below the normal range. Administering digoxin could further slow the heart rate, potentially leading to dangerous bradycardia or heart block. Withholding the medication is essential to prevent this adverse event.
Choice B rationale:
Administering digoxin 0.25 mg is not the appropriate action in this case. The client's heart rate is already below the normal range, and giving the full dose of digoxin could further depress the heart rate and increase the risk of bradycardia. Withholding the medication is the safer course of action.
Choice C rationale:
Administering digoxin 0.125 mg is not recommended because the client's heart rate is already below the normal range. While a reduced dose may be considered in some situations, it's essential to withhold the medication and consult with the healthcare provider in this specific case, as the client's heart rate is significantly low.
Choice D rationale:
Withholding the digoxin dose for elevated BP is not the appropriate action. Digoxin is primarily used to treat heart failure by increasing the force of cardiac contractions. Elevated blood pressure is not an indication to withhold digoxin. The focus should be on addressing the low heart rate in this scenario. .
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