A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas values for a client.
The pH is 7.32, PaCO₂ 48 mm Hg and the HCO₃ is 23 mEq/L. The nurse should recognize that these findings indicate which of the following acid-base balances?

Choice A rationale

Temperature of 36.1°C (97.0°F) is below normal range and not indicative of organ rejection. Organ rejection often presents with elevated temperature due to the inflammatory response of the immune system attacking the transplanted organ.

Choice B rationale

Weight loss is not a common sign of acute organ rejection. Usually, fluid retention and associated weight gain can occur due to decreased kidney function.

Choice C rationale

Oliguria (reduced urine output) is a primary sign of kidney transplant rejection. It indicates that the transplanted kidney is not functioning properly, which is a critical indicator of rejection.

Choice D rationale

Insomnia is not typically associated with organ rejection. It can be related to stress or other factors but is not a direct sign of rejection.

Choice A rationale

Moon face is a characteristic feature of Cushing’s syndrome, caused by fat deposition around the face due to increased cortisol levels.

Choice B rationale

Buffalo hump, or the accumulation of fat on the upper back, is another hallmark of Cushing’s syndrome, resulting from prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels.

Choice C rationale

Purple striations, or stretch marks, commonly appear on the abdomen, thighs, and breasts in Cushing’s syndrome, due to skin thinning and weakening from excess cortisol.

Choice D rationale

Hypertension is a common manifestation of Cushing’s syndrome because cortisol increases blood pressure through various mechanisms, including increased sensitivity to catecholamines. .