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 D
Explanation
Choice D: Comparing the reading to the preoperative value is the first action that the nurse should take because it can help determine if the client's blood pressure is normal for them or if it indicates hypotension, which can be a sign of hemorrhage, shock, or infection.
Choice a is not correct because covering the client with a warm blanket is not the first action that the nurse should take, but rather an intervention that can help prevent hypothermia and shivering, which can increase oxygen demand and blood loss.
Choice b is not correct because increasing the IV fluid rate is not the first action that the nurse should take, but rather an intervention that can help restore fluid volume and blood pressure, if indicated by other data and prescribed by the provider.
Choice c is not correct because reassuring the client is not the first action that the nurse should take, but rather an intervention that can help reduce anxiety and stress, which can affect blood pressure and heart rate.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice a is not correct because providing an alcohol-based mouthwash is an action that the nurse should avoid when caring for a client who has stomatitis. Alcohol can dry and irritate the oral mucosa and worsen the condition.
Choice b is not correct because minimizing the use of gravies and sauces is not an action that the nurse should take to help manage stomatitis. Gravies and sauces can help moisten dry foods and make them easier to swallow for a client who has stomatitis.
Choice d is not correct because discouraging drinking with a straw is not an action that the nurse should take to help manage stomatitis. Drinking with a straw can help prevent contact between fluids and sore areas of the mouth and reduce pain for a client who has stomatitis.
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