A nurse is reviewing the ABGs of a client who has pneumonia. The nurse should identify which of the following findings is an indication of respiratory acidosis.
PaO2 86 mm Hg.
pH 7.4.
HCO3 16 mEq/L.
PaCO2 58 mm Hg.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
A PaO2 value of 86 mm Hg is within the normal range (80-100 mm Hg) and does not indicate respiratory acidosis. PaO2 measures the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood.
Choice B rationale:
A pH of 7.4 is within the normal range (7.35-7.45) and does not indicate respiratory acidosis. The pH reflects the acidity or alkalinity of the blood.
Choice C rationale:
An HCO3 (bicarbonate) level of 16 mEq/L is within the normal range (22-28 mEq/L) and does not indicate respiratory acidosis. HCO3 is a measure of the metabolic component of the body's acid-base balance.
Choice D rationale:
This is the correct choice. A PaCO2 value of 58 mm Hg is elevated and indicates respiratory acidosis. PaCO2 measures the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood, and an elevated value suggests the presence of excess carbon dioxide, leading to acidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Severe headache can be a symptom of a subdural hematoma, but it is not the earliest manifestation of a change in neurological status. Other symptoms may appear before a severe headache, such as an altered level of consciousness.
Choice B rationale:
Bradycardia can occur with a subdural hematoma, especially as intracranial pressure increases. However, it is not the earliest manifestation of a change in neurological status. Changes in heart rate may occur later in the progression of the condition.
Choice C rationale:
Widened pulse pressure can also occur in patients with a subdural hematoma due to increased intracranial pressure. However, it is not the earliest manifestation of a change in neurological status. Other neurological signs would likely appear before changes in pulse pressure are evident.
Choice D rationale:
Change in level of consciousness is the earliest manifestation of a change in neurological status with a subdural hematoma. As intracranial pressure increases, the brain's functioning can be affected, leading to alterations in consciousness, ranging from mild confusion to unconsciousness.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Fruity-smelling breath is associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is not the expected manifestation of chronic kidney disease (CKD). DKA occurs in uncontrolled diabetes and is not the priority for this client.
Choice B rationale:
Painful urination is not a typical clinical manifestation of chronic kidney disease. It is more commonly associated with urinary tract infections or other urological issues.
Choice C rationale:
Hypotension may occur in end-stage kidney disease, but it is not specific to chronic kidney disease and is not a priority in this scenario.
Choice D rationale:
Lethargy is a common clinical manifestation of chronic kidney disease due to the accumulation of waste products in the blood, leading to uremia. It is a priority as it indicates the progression of the disease and the need for close monitoring and intervention.
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