A nurse is caring for a patient who has acute kidney injury. The patient's ABG results are: pH: 7.26
PaCO2: 30 mm Hg HCO3: 14 mEq/L
Which of the following acid-base imbalances should the nurse identify the patient is experiencing?
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and a high HCO3 level, which is not present in this scenario.
Choice B reason: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a high PaCO2 and a low pH. Although the pH is low here, the PaCO2 is also low, ruling out respiratory acidosis.
Choice C reason: Metabolic acidosis is indicated by a low pH and a low HCO3 level, which aligns with the patient's ABG results.
Choice D reason: Respiratory alkalosis would present with a high pH and a low PaCO2, which is not the case here.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: It is essential to ensure that the patient's consent is given freely without coercion. This is a fundamental ethical principle in healthcare.
Choice B reason: While it is important to discuss postoperative expectations with the patient, explaining the amount of pain is not part of the informed consent process but rather part of preoperative education.
Choice C reason: Providing the names of the healthcare team members is not a required element of informed consent, although it may be part of the broader communication with the patient.
Choice D reason: Discussing the consequences of not undergoing the procedure can be part of the informed consent process, but the primary action is to confirm voluntary consent.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Metabolic alkalosis is indicated by a high pH and a high HCO3 level. In this case, the pH is 7.5, which is above the normal range of 7.35-7.45, and the HCO3 is 32 mEq/L, which is above the normal range of 22-26 mEq/L.
Choice B reason: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a high CO2 level and a low pH, which is not the case here as the CO2 is normal and the pH is high.
Choice C reason: Respiratory alkalosis typically presents with a low CO2 level and a high pH. Since the CO2 is normal, this condition does not fit the patient's ABG results.
Choice D reason: Metabolic acidosis would present with a low pH and a low HCO3 level. Given that both the pH and HCO3 are high, metabolic acidosis is not the correct diagnosis.
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