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: Diarrhea can lead to metabolic acidosis due to the loss of bicarbonate, which is a base, leading to a relative increase in acidity.
Choice B reason: Salicylate intoxication can initially cause respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation, but may later lead to metabolic acidosis as the body compensates.
Choice C reason: Vomiting typically leads to a loss of gastric acid, which would cause metabolic alkalosis, not acidosis.
Choice D reason: Hyperventilation is more commonly associated with respiratory alkalosis due to the excessive loss of CO2, which is an acid, not metabolic acidosis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hyperventilation is a compensatory mechanism in metabolic acidosis where the body tries to decrease carbon dioxide levels to balance the acidity.
Choice B reason: Cold, clammy skin is not a typical manifestation of metabolic acidosis; it may be associated with shock or hypoglycemia.
Choice C reason: Increased blood pressure is not directly related to metabolic acidosis. It can be influenced by various factors, including stress or other underlying conditions.
Choice D reason: Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not a common manifestation of metabolic acidosis. Tachycardia, or a fast heart rate, might be observed instead.
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