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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Tolerance to nitroglycerin is not indicated by the presence of a headache. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator used to relieve angina, and headaches can be a common side effect.

Choice B rationale:

Allergic reactions to nitroglycerin are rare, and a headache is not a typical symptom of an allergy to this medication.

Choice C rationale:

"A headache is a common adverse effect of this medication, but it will probably occur less often over time.”. This is the correct response. Nitroglycerin commonly causes headaches due to its vasodilatory effects. Patients often experience this side effect initially, but it tends to improve or occur less frequently with continued use. The nurse should educate the client about this and reassure them that the headaches should diminish over time.

Choice D rationale:

Anxiety may exacerbate chest pain, but it is not the likely cause of the headache. It is important to address the headache as a potential side effect of the medication.

A. Gastrointestinal bloating. B. Jugular vein distention. C. Tachycardia. D. Orthopnea. E. Dyspnea.

Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Gastrointestinal bloating is not a typical clinical manifestation of left-sided heart failure. Left-sided heart failure primarily affects the pulmonary circulation, leading to symptoms such as dyspnea and orthopnea, but not gastrointestinal symptoms.

Choice B rationale:

Jugular vein distention is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure. In left-sided heart failure, the congestion typically occurs in the pulmonary circulation, leading to respiratory symptoms, whereas jugular vein distention is a sign of elevated central venous pressure often seen in right-sided heart failure.

Choice C rationale:

Tachycardia is a common clinical manifestation of left-sided heart failure. As the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, it compensates by increasing the heart rate to maintain cardiac output.

Choice D rationale:

Orthopnea is a classic symptom of left-sided heart failure. Clients with left-sided heart failure often experience difficulty breathing when lying flat and find relief when sitting upright. This is due to the redistribution of blood in the lungs when changing positions.

Choice E rationale:

Dyspnea is another hallmark symptom of left-sided heart failure. It is caused by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) due to the impaired ability of the left ventricle to effectively pump blood, leading to congestion in the pulmonary circulation.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse administered nitroglycerin sublingually to a client who has angina pectoris and experienced chest pain.The client states that his chest pain is relieved but now he has a headache.Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client who has left-sided heart failure.Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to see in this client? (Select all that apply.).

Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]

Explanation

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