A nurse is reviewing the ABG values of a client who has pneumonia. Which of the following findings indicates the client is developing respiratory acidosis?
PaO2 85 mmHg
pH 7.47
HCO3 25 mEq/L
PaCO2 55 mmHg
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: PaO2 85 mmHg is within the normal range of 80 to 100 mmHg and does not indicate any hypoxemia or oxygen deficiency.
Choice B reason: pH 7.47 is within the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45 and does not indicate any acid-base imbalance.
Choice C reason: HCO3 25 mEq/L is within the normal range of 22 to 26 mEq/L and does not indicate any metabolic disturbance.
Choice D reason: PaCO2 55 mmHg is above the normal range of 35 to 45 mmHg and indicates respiratory acidosis, which is a condition where the lungs cannot eliminate enough carbon dioxide and the blood becomes too acidic. This can be caused by pneumonia, which can impair gas exchange and ventilation.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice C Hemoglobin 8.6 g/dL indicates the nurse should notify the provider because it is below the normal range of 12 to 18 g/dL and suggests blood loss or anemia, which can impair oxygen delivery to tissues and affect wound healing.
Choice a is not correct because blood glucose 98 mg/dL does not indicate the nurse should notify the provider because it is within the normal range of 70 to 110 mg/dL and does not indicate hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, which can affect recovery.
Choice b is not correct because BUN 18 mg/dL does not indicate the nurse should notify the provider because it is within the normal range of 10 to 20 mg/dL and does not indicate renal impairment or dehydration, which can affect fluid and electrolyte balance.
Choice d is not correct because potassium 3.5 mEq/L does not indicate the nurse should notify the provider because it is within the normal range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L and does not indicate hypokalemia or hyperkalemia, which can affect cardiac function and muscle contraction.
Correct Answer is d,b,e,a,c
Explanation
The sequence the nurse should use to administer the medication using the Z-track technique is:
- Step 1: Put on gloves and cleanse the site with an antiseptic swab.
- Step 2: Use the nondominant hand to pull the skin and subcutaneous tissue 2.5 cm (1 in) laterally.
- Step 3: Insert the needle into the muscle.
- Step 4: Aspirate by pulling back on the plunger and inject the medication.
- Step 5: Remove the needle and release the tissue.
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