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

Choice A Reason:

Place suction equipment at the bedside is incorrect. While having suction equipment available is important for emergency situations, it does not directly prevent postoperative pulmonary complications. Suction equipment is used to clear the airway if the client has difficulty breathing or if there is an obstruction.

Choice B Reason:

Administer a prophylactic expectorant is incorrect. Prophylactic expectorants can help in managing secretions, but they are not the primary intervention for preventing postoperative pulmonary complications. The main goal is to promote lung expansion and prevent atelectasis.

Choice C Reason:

Encourage the use of an incentive spirometer is correct. Using an incentive spirometer encourages deep breathing and lung expansion, which helps prevent atelectasis and other postoperative pulmonary complications. It is a key intervention in postoperative care to maintain optimal lung function.

Choice D Reason:

Perform range of motion exercises is incorrect. While range of motion exercises are important for preventing musculoskeletal complications and promoting circulation, they do not directly prevent pulmonary complications. The focus for pulmonary health is on lung expansion and clearing secretions.

Choice A reason: Pee privacy

Ensuring privacy for a patient, especially one who is pregnant, is crucial. Privacy helps maintain the patient’s dignity and comfort during medical procedures. It also fosters a trusting relationship between the patient and the healthcare provider. In this context, “Pee privacy” likely refers to ensuring the patient has privacy when providing a urine sample, which is a common procedure during pregnancy check-ups to monitor for conditions like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.

Choice B reason: Otoscope

An otoscope is a medical device used to look into the ears. While it is an essential tool in many medical examinations, it is not specifically related to the care of a pregnant patient unless there is a specific concern about ear health. Therefore, this choice is less relevant in the context of routine pregnancy care.

Choice C reason: Tannic acid

Tannic acid is a substance that can be used for various medical purposes, including treating burns and stopping bleeding. However, it is not typically associated with routine pregnancy care. Its inclusion in this list seems out of place unless there is a specific, unusual medical condition being addressed.

Choice D reason: Pupil dilation

Pupil dilation is a procedure often performed during eye examinations to allow a better view of the retina and other structures inside the eye. While important in ophthalmology, it is not a standard procedure in the care of a pregnant patient unless there is a specific concern about the patient’s vision or eye health.