A nurse is reviewing the ABG values of a client. The client has a pH of 7.2, PaCO2 of 60 mm Hg, and HCO3 of 25 mEq/L. The nurse should identify that the client has which of the following acid-base imbalances?

- A. Discussing the suspicion of physical abuse with the provider is the appropriate action for the nurse to take. However, this should be done after the matter is reported to child protection services.

- B. Confronting the parents with the suspicion of physical abuse is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take, as it can escalate the situation and endanger the child or the nurse.

- C. Asking the hospital security to detain and question the parents is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take, as it violates the parents' rights and may interfere with the legal process.

- D.Contacting Child Protective Services is appropriate action for the nurse to take at this point as it is the nurse's legal responsibility to do so.

Choice A rationale:

Irritability is a common withdrawal symptom in newborns exposed to cocaine during pregnancy. Cocaine exposure can lead to irritability, restlessness, and difficulty in consoling the newborn.

Choice B rationale:

Hypotonicity, or decreased muscle tone, is not a common finding associated with cocaine exposure in newborns. Cocaine exposure more commonly results in hypertonicity, where the muscles are tense and rigid.

Choice C rationale:

Decreased auditory startle response is not a typical finding associated with cocaine exposure. Newborns exposed to cocaine may have an exaggerated startle response, which is the opposite of the expected finding in this case.

Choice D rationale:

Increased head circumference is not a characteristic finding associated with cocaine exposure. Cocaine exposure is more likely to cause growth restriction, low birth weight, and microcephaly (small head size) in newborns.