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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Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]

Explanation

A. Decreased plasma volume:Burn injuries cause a significant inflammatory response, leading to fluid shifts from the intravascular space to the interstitial space. This results in hypovolemia and decreased plasma volume, especially during the acute phase of burns.

B. Diuresis:Diuresis typically occurs after fluid resuscitation and stabilization of the client (in the later phase of burn recovery). In the initial phase, oliguria is more common due to hypovolemia and reduced renal perfusion.

C. Hypermagnesemia:Hypermagnesemia is not typically associated with burn injuries. Instead, clients with burns often experience hypomagnesemia due to fluid shifts, protein loss, and increased renal losses.

D. Capillary leak:Burn injuries lead to a systemic inflammatory response, causing capillary leak syndrome. This increases vascular permeability, allowing fluid, electrolytes, and proteins to leak into the interstitial spaces, contributing to edema and hypovolemia.

E. Loss of protein:Proteins are lost through damaged capillaries and open burn wounds, contributing to decreased oncotic pressure, edema, and a need for aggressive nutritional support to promote healing and recovery.

A. Morbidly obese patient B. A woman who smokes and takes oral contraceptives or smoke C. Wheelchair-bound patient D. Patient with a humerus fracture E. Patient who underwent a prolonged surgical procedure

Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]

Explanation

A. Morbidly obese patient: Obesity is a known risk factor for VTE due to several reasons. Morbidly obese individuals often have impaired mobility, which can lead to venous stasis (sluggish blood flow in the veins). Additionally, obesity is associated with inflammation and changes in blood clotting factors, increasing the risk of developing blood clots in the veins.

B. A woman who smokes and takes oral contraceptives or smokes: Both smoking and oral contraceptive use are independent risk factors for VTE. Smoking can cause damage to blood vessels and alter blood clotting mechanisms, while oral contraceptives can increase the risk of blood clots due to hormonal changes.

C. Wheelchair-bound patient: While being wheelchair-bound alone may not always indicate a high risk for VTE, immobility is a significant risk factor for developing blood clots. Prolonged periods of immobility can lead to blood stasis in the veins, making wheelchair-bound patients susceptible to VTE, especially if other risk factors are present.

D. Patient with a humerus fracture: A humerus fracture on its own may not necessarily increase the risk of VTE significantly. However, if the fracture requires immobilization or surgery, especially if it affects the lower extremities or leads to prolonged immobility, the risk of VTE can increase due to decreased blood flow and stasis.

E. Patient who underwent a prolonged surgical procedure: Prolonged surgical procedures often involve anesthesia, immobility during surgery, and postoperative immobilization, all of which can contribute to venous stasis and increase the risk of developing VTE. Additionally, the surgical trauma itself can trigger inflammatory responses and alterations in blood clotting factors, further elevating the risk of blood clots.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has burns to approximately 50% of their body. Which of the following physiological changes related to the burns should the nurse anticipate? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]

Explanation

A nurse recently hired to the preoperative area learns that certain patients are at higher risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Which patients are considered to be at high risk? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]

Explanation

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

A nurse is caring for a client that is immobile. The nurse recognizes that the appearance of non-blanchable erythema on the heels most likely indicates which of the following stages of pressure injuries?

A nurse evaluates the following arterial blood gas values in a patient: pH 7.48, PaO 98 mm Hg, PaCO 28 mm Hg, and HCO - 22 mEq/L (22 mmol/L). Which patient condition does the nurse correlate with these results?

A 73-year-old patient with diabetes was admitted for below the knee amputation of his right leg. Removal of his right leg is an example of which type of surgery?

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?

Melanocytes give rise to the pigment melanin, which is responsible for skin color. Where can the melanocytes be found?

A nurse is caring for a patient who has the following arterial blood values: pH 7.12, PaO 56 mm Hg, PaCO 65 mm Hg, and HCO - 22 mEq/L (22 mmol/L). Which clinical situation does the nurse correlate with these values?