A nurse is collecting data from a client who reports persistent vomiting, dizziness, palpitations, and numbness and tingling in his fingers and toes, and around his mouth.
The nurse notes the client's respirations are slow and shallow.
The nurse should suspect that the client has developed which of the following acid-base imbalances?

Metabolic acidosis.

Metabolic alkalosis.

Respiratory alkalosis.

Respiratory acidosis.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Metabolic acidosis would likely present with rapid, deep breathing (Kussmaul respirations), not slow and shallow breathing.

Choice B rationale:

The client’s symptoms of vomiting (which can cause a loss of stomach acid), dizziness, palpitations, and numbness and tingling in the extremities and around the mouth are consistent with metabolic alkalosis.

Choice C rationale:

Respiratory alkalosis would likely present with rapid breathing, not slow and shallow breathing.

Choice D rationale:

Respiratory acidosis would likely present with rapid, shallow breathing, not slow and shallow breathing.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Metabolic alkalosis is incorrect because it would present with a high pH and high HCO3. This client’s pH is low, indicating acidosis, not alkalosis.

Choice B rationale:

Respiratory acidosis is correct. It is characterized by a low pH and high PaCO2, as seen in this client’s results. This condition occurs when the lungs can’t remove enough CO2, causing it to build up in the blood and lower the pH.

Choice C rationale:

Metabolic acidosis is incorrect because it would present with a low pH and low HCO3. This client’s HCO3 is normal.

Choice D rationale:

Respiratory alkalosis is incorrect because it would present with a high pH and low PaCO2. This client’s pH is low and PaCO2 is high.

A. Choose a frozen dinner for a quick meal option. B. Select processed cheese products when available. C. Season food with herbs & spices. D. Use soy sauce as marinade for meats.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Frozen dinners are often high in sodium, which can increase blood pressure, so they are not a good choice for someone with hypertension.

Choice B rationale:

Processed cheese products are also high in sodium, so they should be avoided.

Choice C rationale:

Seasoning food with herbs and spices is a healthy way to add flavor without adding sodium.

Choice D rationale:

Soy sauce is very high in sodium, so it should not be used as a marinade for meats.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a client who has HTN about decreasing sodium intake.Which of the following info should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse has received change-of-shift report on four clients.Which of the following clients should the nurse plan to see first?

The nurse preceptor is teaching a newly licensed nurse about blood flow through the heart.The nurse preceptor knows teaching has been effective when the newly licensed nurse states that the upper chambers of the heart are:.

A nurse is caring for a client who becomes unresponsive.While administering CPR, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is attending a seminar about blood flow through the heart.The hospital MD is conducting an inservice about blood flow in veins and arteries.In the circulatory system, generally,.

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a group of clients about first aid care for a bee sting.Which of the following information should the nurse reinforce in the teaching?

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A client who is postoperative is receiving IV fluids and a unit of whole blood. The nurse should observe the client for which of the following as an early sign of circulatory overload?

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