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 ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Crackles in lung bases Crackles in the lung bases are often indicative of fluid accumulation in the lungs, which can occur in conditions like heart failure. These crackles are discontinuous and sound like "fine rales.”. They can be heard during inspiration and expiration.

Choice B rationale:

Periorbital edema Periorbital edema, or swelling around the eyes, can be a sign of fluid volume overload, especially in the context of an older adult receiving IV therapy. It suggests that excess fluid is accumulating in the body.

Choice D rationale:

Bounding radial pulse A bounding radial pulse is a sign of increased stroke volume and can occur when the heart is working harder to pump the increased blood volume associated with fluid overload.

Choice C rationale:

Swelling at the IV site Swelling at the IV site can be a local reaction and may not necessarily indicate fluid volume overload unless it is associated with other systemic signs.

Choice E rationale:

Flat neck veins when supine Flat neck veins when the client is supine are not typically associated with fluid volume overload. In fact, flat neck veins are more characteristic of hypovolemia. Now, let's address the final question.

A. Metabolic alkalosis. B. Metabolic acidosis. C. Respiratory alkalosis. D. Respiratory acidosis.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Metabolic alkalosis Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an elevated pH (above the normal range of 7.35-7.45) and an increased bicarbonate (HCO3) level (above the normal range of 22-28 mEq/L). In this case, the client's pH of 7.6 and HCO3 level of 32 mEq/L indicate a primary metabolic alkalosis. It can be caused by excessive bicarbonate intake, loss of acid (as in vomiting or excessive diuretic use), or other factors that result in an excess of bicarbonate in the body. The PaCO2 level is within the normal range (35-45 mm Hg), which is consistent with compensatory hypoventilation seen in metabolic alkalosis.

Choice B rationale:

Metabolic acidosis Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decreased pH and bicarbonate level. The client's ABG results do not align with metabolic acidosis. In this case, the pH is elevated, and the bicarbonate level is above the normal range.

Choice C rationale:

Respiratory alkalosis Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by an elevated pH and decreased PaCO2. The client's ABG results show a normal PaCO2 of 40 mm Hg, which does not align with respiratory alkalosis. In respiratory alkalosis, you would typically see a lower PaCO2.

Choice D rationale:

Respiratory acidosis Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a decreased pH and elevated PaCO2. The client's ABG results do not align with respiratory acidosis. In this case, the PaCO2 is within the normal range, and the pH is elevated, which is not indicative of respiratory acidosis.

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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 is collecting data from an older adult who is postoperative and receiving IV therapy at 125 mL/hr. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings indicates the client is experiencing fluid volume overload? (Select all that apply.).

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas (ABG) results of a client. The client's ABGs are:. A. pH: 7.6. B. PaCO2: 40 mm Hg. C. HCO3: 32 mEq/L. Which of the following acid-base conditions should the nurse identify the client is experiencing?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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