A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is postoperative and has a respiratory rate of 7/min. The arteriaI blood gas (ABG) values include:

pH 7.22

PaCO2 68 mm Hg

Base excess -2

PaO2 78 mm Hg

Oxygen saturation 80%

Bicarbonate 28 mEq/L

Which of the following interpretations of the ABG values should the nurse make7

Metabolic acidosis

Respiratory acidosis

Respiratory alkalosis

Metabolic alkalosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Metabolic acidosis:

Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and a low bicarbonate level (<22 mEq/L) due to an excess of acids in the body or a loss of bicarbonate. However, in the given ABG values, the pH is low (7.22), but the bicarbonate level is elevated (28 mEq/L), which does not align with metabolic acidosis. Therefore, metabolic acidosis is not the correct interpretation in this case.

B. Respiratory acidosis:

Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is inadequate removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) by the lungs, leading to an accumulation of CO2 in the blood and a decrease in pH. In the ABG values provided, the pH is low (7.22), and the PaCO2 is elevated (68 mm Hg), indicating respiratory acidosis as the primary disturbance. This interpretation is supported by the elevated PaCO2 and the low pH, making it the correct choice based on the given data.

C. Respiratory alkalosis:

Respiratory alkalosis results from hyperventilation, leading to excessive elimination of CO2 and a decrease in PaCO2 levels. However, in the ABG values presented, the PaCO2 is elevated (68 mm Hg), which contradicts the expected decrease seen in respiratory alkalosis. Therefore, respiratory alkalosis is not the correct interpretation of the ABG values in this case.

D. Metabolic alkalosis:

Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and a high bicarbonate level (>26 mEq/L) due to excessive loss of acids or an increase in bicarbonate levels. However, in the ABG values provided, the pH is low (7.22), and the bicarbonate level is elevated (28 mEq/L), which is not consistent with metabolic alkalosis. Therefore, metabolic alkalosis is not the correct interpretation based on the given data.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

A. Measure the depth and width of the wound. Regular assessment and documentation of the wound’s size can help track the progress of healing and effectiveness of the treatment plan.

B. Educate the client about the need for antibiotics. If an infection is present, antibiotics may be necessary. It’s important for the client to understand the purpose and proper use of these medications.

C. Consult a nutritionist for a diet plan. Good nutrition is essential for wound healing. Certain nutrients, like protein, vitamin C, and zinc, can promote wound healing.

D. Remove any non-viable tissue. Debridement, or the removal of dead (non-viable) tissue, can help promote the healing of the wound by reducing the risk of infection and allowing healthy tissue to grow.

A. increase the effectiveness of the skin graft. B. promote movement in the affected area. C. prevent infection and promote healing. D. promote suppuration of the wound.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Increase the effectiveness of the skin graft:

Debridement can indeed increase the effectiveness of a skin graft by preparing a clean, viable wound bed for grafting. Removing dead tissue and debris helps the skin graft adhere to healthy tissue and promotes successful graft take. However, this is not the primary purpose of debridement.

B. Promote movement in the affected area:

While debridement can indirectly contribute to promoting movement by improving wound healing and reducing pain, the primary purpose of debridement is not to promote movement in the affected area.

C. Prevent infection and promote healing:

This statement accurately reflects the primary purpose of debridement. By removing nonviable tissue, debris, and foreign material from the wound, debridement helps prevent infection by reducing the bacterial load and creating an environment conducive to healing. It also promotes granulation tissue formation and wound contraction, which are essential for wound healing.

D. Promote suppuration of the wound:

Suppuration refers to the formation and discharge of pus from a wound, often indicating infection. Debridement aims to remove necrotic tissue and prevent infection, so promoting suppuration is not a desired outcome of debridement.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a client with a chronic wound. Which of the following are wound treatments that may assist with the healing process?

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

The nurse debriding a burn wound explains that the purpose of debridement is to:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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