A nurse is reviewing the ABG results for a client. The client's results are pH 7.47, PaCO2 30 mm Hg, HCO3 25 mEq/L, and SaO2 90%. The nurse should identify that the client is experiencing which of the following acid-base imbalances?
Metabolic acidosis.
Respiratory acidosis.
Metabolic alkalosis.
Respiratory alkalosis.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale: Metabolic acidosis would present with a pH below 7.35 and a low HCO3 level. This client's pH is elevated at 7.47, which indicates an alkalotic state rather than an acidic one.
Choice B rationale: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a pH below 7.35 and a PaCO2 above 45 mm Hg. This client's results show the opposite: a high pH and a low PaCO2 level.
Choice C rationale: Metabolic alkalosis requires an elevated HCO3 (typically above 26 mEq/L) to be the primary cause of the high pH. Here, the HCO3 is 25 mEq/L, which is within the normal range.
Choice D rationale: Respiratory alkalosis is defined by a pH above 7.45 and a PaCO2 below 35 mm Hg. The client's pH of 7.47 and PaCO2 of 30 mm Hg perfectly fit this clinical diagnosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Positioning the client so that they are lying flat (Choice A) is not the appropriate action after evisceration. Evisceration is the protrusion of internal organs through a wound, and lying flat could potentially put pressure on the exposed organs and worsen the situation.
Choice B rationale:
Increasing the client's oral fluid intake (Choice B) is generally a good practice for postoperative care, but it is not the priority in the case of evisceration. The primary concern is protecting the exposed organs and preventing infection.
Choice C rationale:
Preparing the client for emergency surgery (Choice C) is the correct action after observing evisceration. Evisceration is a surgical emergency, and the client needs immediate medical intervention to repair the wound and secure the exposed organs.
Choice D rationale:
Applying gentle pressure to the dressed wound (Choice D) is contraindicated in the case of evisceration. Applying pressure could further damage the exposed organs and increase the risk of infection.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Dysrhythmia refers to irregular heart rhythms and is not associated with the carotid artery. It involves issues with the heart's electrical conduction system.
Choice B rationale:
A cardiac murmur is an abnormal sound heard during the heartbeat cycle, usually indicating turbulent blood flow across heart valves. It's not directly related to the carotid artery.
Choice C rationale:
Hypotension refers to low blood pressure, which might impact blood flow through the carotid artery but wouldn't directly cause the sound known as a bruit.
Choice D rationale:
A bruit heard while auscultating the carotid artery suggests a narrowed arterial lumen. A bruit is a whooshing or blowing sound caused by turbulent blood flow due to arterial narrowing or blockage.
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