A nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory report of arterial blood gas (ABG) findings: pH 7.28, HCO3 18, and PaCO2 36. Which of the following conditions should the nurse anticipate when interpreting these findings?
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory acidosis
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Metabolic alkalosis would present with an elevated pH and HCO3, which is not the case here.
Choice B reason: Respiratory alkalosis would present with an elevated pH and a decreased PaCO2, which is not the case here.
Choice C reason: Metabolic acidosis is indicated by a decreased pH and HCO3, which aligns with the ABG findings provided.
Choice D reason: Respiratory acidosis would present with a decreased pH and an elevated PaCO2, which is not the case here.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Disequilibrium syndrome is characterized by headache, nausea, and agitation, which can occur during or after hemodialysis, especially in the first few sessions as the body adjusts to the treatment².
Choice B reason: Septicemia would typically present with fever, chills, and hypotension, not specifically headache and agitation².
Choice C reason: Air embolism is a rare complication that would present with sudden respiratory distress, chest pain, and possibly hypotension, not just headache and agitation².
Choice D reason: Peritonitis is associated with abdominal pain and tenderness, fever, and possibly altered bowel movements, not the symptoms described².
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A distended bladder is a common cause of autonomic dysreflexia. It can trigger an exaggerated response from the autonomic nervous system, leading to a rapid increase in blood pressure. This is because the full bladder sends signals to the spinal cord, which then attempts to send signals to the brain. However, due to the injury, these signals cannot pass through, resulting in a reflex that increases blood pressure.
Choice B reason: While a severe headache is a symptom of autonomic dysreflexia, it is not a cause. The headache results from the body's response to a triggering stimulus, such as a distended bladder, which leads to the high blood pressure characteristic of autonomic dysreflexia.
Choice C reason: Nasal congestion is not typically a cause of autonomic dysreflexia. The condition is usually triggered by a noxious stimulus below the level of the spinal cord injury, such as a full bladder or bowel, skin irritation, or other types of physical discomfort.
Choice D reason: Elevated blood pressure is a symptom, not a cause, of autonomic dysreflexia. The condition itself causes a sudden spike in blood pressure due to an uncontrolled reflex sympathetic discharge in response to a triggering stimulus below the level of the injury.
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