A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas values for a client. The nurse should recognize that the values indicate which of the following acid-base imbalances?
The values are:
- pH: 7.56
- PaCO2: 55 mmHg
- HCO3: 33 mEq/L
Normal ranges:
- pH: 7.35-7.45
- PaCO2: 35-45 mmHg
- HCO3: 22-28 mEq/L
Metabolic Alkalosis
Metabolic Acidosis
Respiratory Alkalosis
Respiratory Acidosis
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Metabolic Alkalosis is correct. The pH of 7.56 is above the normal range (7.35-7.45), indicating alkalosis. The HCO3 level of 33 mEq/L is also above the normal range (22-28 mEq/L), which suggests a metabolic cause. In metabolic alkalosis, the body has an excess of bicarbonate or a loss of hydrogen ions.
Choice B Reason:
Metabolic Acidosis is incorrect. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (below 7.35) and a low HCO3 level (below 22 mEq/L). The given values indicate alkalosis, not acidosis.
Choice C Reason:
Respiratory Alkalosis is incorrect. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (above 7.45) and a low PaCO2 (below 35 mmHg). In this case, the PaCO2 is elevated (55 mmHg), which does not align with respiratory alkalosis.
Choice D Reason:
Respiratory Acidosis is incorrect. Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (below 7.35) and a high PaCO2 (above 45 mmHg). While the PaCO2 is elevated, the pH indicates alkalosis, not acidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Defamation of character is incorrect. Defamation of character involves making false statements about someone that damage their reputation. This can be in the form of slander (spoken) or libel (written). Applying restraints without proper justification does not fall under defamation of character.
Choice B Reason:
Invasion of privacy is incorrect. Invasion of privacy involves intruding into someone’s personal life without consent. This can include unauthorized access to personal information or spaces. Applying restraints without proper justification is not an invasion of privacy.
Choice C Reason:
Slander is incorrect. Slander is a form of defamation that involves making false spoken statements that damage someone’s reputation. Applying restraints without proper justification does not involve making false statements.
Choice D Reason:
False imprisonment is correct. False imprisonment involves restraining a person without legal justification or their consent. In a healthcare setting, applying restraints without proper justification or following legal and ethical guidelines constitutes false imprisonment and violates the client’s rights.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Thrombophlebitis is characterized by inflammation of the vein with the formation of a blood clot. The signs and symptoms include erythema, warmth, edema, and a red line traveling up the vessel, which indicates the presence of inflammation and possible clot formation. This condition requires prompt intervention to prevent further complications such as the spread of infection or the clot traveling to other parts of the body.

Choice B reason: Infiltration occurs when IV fluid or medication leaks into the surrounding tissue. Signs of infiltration include swelling, discomfort, and coolness at the IV site, but it does not typically present with erythema, warmth, or a red line traveling up the vessel. Infiltration is less likely to cause the systemic signs seen in this case.
Choice C reason: Infection at the IV site can cause erythema, warmth, and edema, but it usually does not present with a red line traveling up the vessel. The red line is more indicative of thrombophlebitis, where the inflammation follows the path of the vein. Infection would also likely present with additional systemic signs such as fever.
Choice D reason: Extravasation involves the leakage of vesicant drugs into the surrounding tissue, causing severe local tissue damage. Signs include pain, burning, and blistering at the site, but it does not typically present with a red line traveling up the vessel. Extravasation is more localized and does not follow the vein’s path like thrombophlebitis.
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