A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who has metabolic alkalosis. Which of the following blood gas values should the nurse expect?
pH 7.36 (7.35 to 7.45), PaCO2 38 mm Hg (35 to 45 mmHg) HCO3 25 mEq/L (22 to 26 mEq/L)
pH 7.48 (7.35 to 7.45), PaCO, 32 mm Hg (35 to 45 mm Hg). HCO3 24 mEq/L (22 to 26 mE q/L)
pH 7.46 (7.35 to 7.45). PaCO2 36 mm Hg (35 to 45 mm Hg). HCO3 29 mEq/L (22 to 26 mEq/L)
pH 7.26 (7.35 to 7.45). PaCO, 35 mm Hg (35 to 45 mm Hg). HCO3 18 mEq/L (22 to 26 mEq/L)
The Correct Answer is C
A) pH 7.36 (7.35 to 7.45), PaCO2 38 mm Hg (35 to 45 mmHg), HCO3 25 mEq/L (22 to 26 mEq/L): This is a normal set of arterial blood gas (ABG) values, with a pH within normal range, a normal PaCO2, and a normal HCO3. It does not suggest metabolic alkalosis.
B) pH 7.48 (7.35 to 7.45), PaCO2 32 mm Hg (35 to 45 mm Hg), HCO3 24 mEq/L (22 to 26 mEq/L): Although the pH is elevated, indicating alkalosis, the PaCO2 is slightly low, and the bicarbonate (HCO3) is within the normal range. This set of values does not indicate metabolic alkalosis, but could indicate respiratory alkalosis or compensated alkalosis.
C) pH 7.46 (7.35 to 7.45), PaCO2 36 mm Hg (35 to 45 mm Hg), HCO3 29 mEq/L (22 to 26 mEq/L): This is consistent with metabolic alkalosis. The elevated pH (alkalosis) combined with an increased bicarbonate level (HCO3 > 26 mEq/L) and a normal PaCO2 suggests metabolic alkalosis, as the kidneys retain bicarbonate to compensate for the condition.
D) pH 7.26 (7.35 to 7.45), PaCO2 35 mm Hg (35 to 45 mm Hg), HCO3 18 mEq/L (22 to 26 mEq/L): This set of values indicates acidosis, not alkalosis. The pH is low, indicating acidosis, and the bicarbonate (HCO3) is also low, which suggests metabolic acidosis. The PaCO2 is normal, which further supports a metabolic origin of the acidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) "A child who has leukemia and an absolute neutrophil count of 200/mm³ (2,500 to 8,000/mm³)."
This child is at significant risk for infection due to a severely low neutrophil count, indicating severe neutropenia. Discharge planning for this child would be inappropriate at this time since they need intensive monitoring and care to manage their immunocompromised status and prevent infections.
B) "A child who has a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus and is receiving IV insulin."
This child is appropriate for discharge planning. A new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes requires thorough teaching for the family and child about blood glucose monitoring, insulin administration, dietary adjustments, and emergency management. While the child is receiving IV insulin in the hospital, once stabilized, they can be discharged with proper education and support to manage their condition at home.
C) "An adolescent who has cystic fibrosis and is receiving their yearly tune-up."
A cystic fibrosis "tune-up" refers to a period of treatment, often including IV antibiotics and respiratory therapy, to help manage the chronic condition. Since this is part of ongoing care and not an acute issue, discharge planning is not immediately appropriate until the "tune-up" is complete, and the adolescent has stabilized.
D) "An infant who has respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and a respiratory rate of 70/min."
This infant is at risk for respiratory distress and requires close monitoring. A respiratory rate of 70/min in an infant is elevated, and the child may need additional respiratory support. Discharge planning should not be initiated until the infant's condition improves and they are stable enough to handle care at home.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) "You should lay down for 1 hour following a meal.":
Laying down after eating can exacerbate GERD symptoms by promoting acid reflux. The nurse should advise the client to remain upright for at least 30 minutes after eating to prevent reflux. Lying down increases the likelihood of gastric contents moving back into the esophagus.
B) "You should only drink 2 cups of coffee per day.":
Caffeine is a known trigger for GERD and can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the risk of acid reflux. The nurse should suggest limiting or avoiding coffee altogether, rather than recommending a specific quantity, as even small amounts may aggravate symptoms.
C) "You should elevate the head of the bed while sleeping.":
Elevating the head of the bed is a common and effective strategy for managing GERD. This helps prevent acid reflux during sleep by utilizing gravity to keep stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus. A common recommendation is to elevate the head by 6-8 inches using blocks or a wedge pillow.
D) "You should eat three large meals and two snacks per day.":
Eating large meals can increase intra-abdominal pressure and promote acid reflux in clients with GERD. The nurse should recommend smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the risk of reflux and improve symptom control.
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