A nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory results. The client's ABGS are as follows: pH 7.6, HCO3 24 mEq/L, PaCO2 30 mm Hg, PaO2 90 mm Hg. Which of the following acid-base imbalances should the nurse identify the client is experiencing?

Metabolic alkalosis

Respiratory acidosis

Respiratory alkalosis

Metabolic acidosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A) Metabolic alkalosis: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and elevated bicarbonate (HCO3). In this scenario, the pH is elevated at 7.6, which supports alkalosis, but the HCO3 level is normal at 24 mEq/L. The PaCO2 is slightly low, which is not typical for metabolic alkalosis, as it would usually show an elevated HCO3 with a compensatory respiratory alkalosis.

B) Respiratory acidosis: Respiratory acidosis would present with a low pH and an elevated PaCO2. In this case, the pH is high at 7.6, indicating alkalosis, and the PaCO2 is also low at 30 mm Hg, which is inconsistent with respiratory acidosis.

C) Respiratory alkalosis: Respiratory alkalosis is indicated by a high pH with a low PaCO2. Here, the pH is elevated at 7.6, and the PaCO2 is decreased at 30 mm Hg, which fits the profile of respiratory alkalosis. The normal HCO3 level suggests that the bicarbonate is not compensating, supporting a primary respiratory alkalosis.

D) Metabolic acidosis: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a low HCO3. In this scenario, the pH is elevated at 7.6, and the HCO3 level is normal at 24 mEq/L, which does not align with metabolic acidosis. The PaCO2 is also low, which is not typical for metabolic acidosis, as it would usually have a normal or high PaCO2.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Orthostatic hypotension:
Tamsulosin, an alpha-blocker used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy, can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a significant adverse effect. This condition involves a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up, leading to dizziness or fainting. It's important for clients to report these symptoms to their healthcare provider for potential adjustment of medication or additional instructions on managing this side effect.

B) Muscle tenderness:
Muscle tenderness is not commonly associated with tamsulosin. While muscle pain can occur with other medications, it is not a known adverse effect of tamsulosin and does not require immediate notification to the provider in the context of this medication.

C) Decreased heart rate:
Tamsulosin does not typically cause bradycardia (decreased heart rate). This side effect is more associated with beta-blockers or other cardiac medications, rather than alpha-blockers like tamsulosin. Reporting this would be relevant for those other medications but not for tamsulosin.

D) Oliguria:
Oliguria, or decreased urine output, is not a known adverse effect of tamsulosin. Tamsulosin helps improve urine flow in clients with benign prostatic hypertrophy, so reporting oliguria would not be pertinent in this context. Instead, it could indicate another underlying issue.

A. Antimicrobial medication can decrease the severity of symptoms. B. Postherpetic nerve pain can occur in older adult clients. C. Lesions often occur inside the oral cavity of clients who have this infection. D. Cellulitis is a common manifestation in clients who have this infection.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Antimicrobial medication can decrease the severity of symptoms.: Antiviral medications, rather than antimicrobial ones, are used to reduce the severity and duration of herpes zoster (shingles). They work best when started within 72 hours of the rash appearing.

B. Postherpetic nerve pain can occur in older adult clients.: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common complication of herpes zoster, especially in older adults. It is characterized by persistent pain in the area where the shingles rash occurred.

C. Lesions often occur inside the oral cavity of clients who have this infection.: Herpes zoster typically causes a painful rash that appears on one side of the body, often in a band or strip, rather than inside the oral cavity. Oral lesions are more characteristic of herpes simplex virus infections.

D. Cellulitis is a common manifestation in clients who have this infection.: Cellulitis is not a typical manifestation of herpes zoster. Herpes zoster is characterized by a vesicular rash and pain along a dermatomal distribution, not by cellulitis.

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A nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory results. The client's ABGS are as follows: pH 7.6, HCO3 24 mEq/L, PaCO2 30 mm Hg, PaO2 90 mm Hg. Which of the following acid-base imbalances should the nurse identify the client is experiencing?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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