A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who was hyperventilating during a panic attack.
Which of the following arterial blood gas values should the nurse expect?
pH 7.50 and HCO3 31 mm Hg.
pH 7.30 and HCO3 19 mm Hg.
pH 7.47 and PaCO2 31 mm Hg.
pH 7.32 and PaCO2 50 mm Hg.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is: C.
Choice A reason: A pH of 7.50 and HCO3 of 31 mm Hg suggest a metabolic alkalosis due to the high bicarbonate level. However, during a panic attack, hyperventilation leads to respiratory alkalosis, not metabolic, due to the excessive exhalation of CO2, which is not consistent with this option.
Choice B reason: A pH of 7.30 and HCO3 of 19 mm Hg indicate a metabolic acidosis due to the low bicarbonate level. This is not typically associated with hyperventilation during a panic attack, which usually causes respiratory alkalosis, characterized by a decrease in CO2 levels and an increase in pH.
Choice C reason: A pH of 7.47 and PaCO2 of 31 mm Hg are indicative of respiratory alkalosis, which is expected during hyperventilation as a result of a panic attack. Hyperventilation causes a decrease in carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels, leading to an increase in pH. The normal ranges for arterial blood gases are: pH 7.35-7.45, PaCO2 35-45 mm Hg, and HCO3 22-26 mEq/L.
Choice D reason: A pH of 7.32 and PaCO2 of 50 mm Hg suggest respiratory acidosis due to the elevated PaCO2 level. This would be more consistent with hypoventilation, which is not the case during a panic attack where hyperventilation occurs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Checking the client's blood pressure is not the priority action when administering digoxin. Although monitoring blood pressure is essential in the overall care of a client with heart failure, the most critical parameter to assess before administering digoxin is the client's apical pulse.
Choice B rationale:
Measuring the client's apical pulse is the correct action to take before administering digoxin. Digoxin is a medication commonly prescribed for heart failure, and it has a narrow therapeutic range. It primarily works by increasing the force of the heart's contractions, and an excessively low heart rate (bradycardia) is a potential side effect of digoxin. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the client's apical pulse to ensure it is within the recommended range (usually above 60 beats per minute) before administering the medication. If the pulse rate is below the recommended range, the nurse should withhold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.
Choice C rationale:
Offering the client a light snack is not a necessary action before administering digoxin. While it is important to consider the client's dietary needs, it is not directly related to the administration of digoxin. However, if the client has nausea or vomiting, which can be a side effect of digoxin, a light snack might be offered after the medication.
Choice D rationale:
Weighing the client is not the immediate action to take before administering digoxin. Although daily weights can be important for assessing fluid balance in clients with heart failure, it is not the priority before administering digoxin. Monitoring the client's apical pulse is the most critical step in this context.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Bananas are a good source of potassium, and the client's serum potassium level is low (3.1 mEq/L). Including potassium-rich foods like bananas in the diet can help raise the potassium level and prevent hypokalemia, which is a potential side effect of furosemide (a diuretic).
Choice B rationale:
Cheddar cheese is not a suitable choice for a client with low potassium levels. It is not a significant source of potassium and should not be the primary recommendation for addressing hypokalemia.
Choice C rationale:
Cabbage is not a good choice for increasing potassium intake. While it has some potassium, other fruits and vegetables like bananas are much richer sources of this essential electrolyte.
Choice D rationale:
White rice is not a high-potassium food and should not be the first choice for a client with low potassium levels.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.