A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who has respiratory acidosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Potassium 3.3 mEq/L.

HCO3- 30 mEq/L.

PacO2 50 mm Hg.

pH 7.45.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

PacO2 50 mm Hg. Choice A rationale:

Potassium levels are not directly related to respiratory acidosis. Potassium levels may be affected in certain conditions, but they are not specific indicators of respiratory acidosis.

Choice B rationale:

HCO3- (bicarbonate) levels may be elevated in metabolic alkalosis, not respiratory acidosis. In respiratory acidosis, the primary abnormality is an increased PacO2, not HCO3-.

Choice C rationale:

The partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PacO2) is a key parameter in diagnosing respiratory acidosis. In this case, a PacO2 of 50 mm Hg suggests hypoventilation and an excess of carbon dioxide in the blood, contributing to acidosis.

Choice D rationale:

The pH level given (pH 7.45) is within the normal range, which contradicts the diagnosis of respiratory acidosis. In respiratory acidosis, the pH would be expected to be below the normal range of 7.35-7.45 due to increased carbon dioxide levels.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Hypernatremia.

Choice A rationale:

Hypernatremia is the most likely condition the client is experiencing based on the laboratory result of Sodium 144 mEq/L, which is above the normal range of 136 to 145 mEq/L. Hypernatremia is an elevated sodium level in the blood and can cause various symptoms like extreme thirst, dry mucous membranes, and altered mental status.

Choice B rationale:

To address hypernatremia, the nurse should take two actions. Action 1: Prepare to check a serum albumin level. This is important as hypernatremia can be caused by a relative water deficit due to excess solutes, and measuring serum albumin helps assess the body's water balance. Action 2: Request a STAT ECG. Hypernatremia can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, so an ECG is essential to monitor the patient's heart rhythm. Parameters to Monitor: Parameter 1 - Serum bicarbonate level: Monitoring bicarbonate levels helps evaluate acid-base balance and assess the impact of hypernatremia on the body's buffering systems. Parameter 2 - Intake and Output: Monitoring the patient's fluid intake and output is crucial to ensure proper hydration and track response to treatment.

A. Increased urine ketones. B. Decreased Hgb. C. Decreased urine specific gravity. D. Increased BUN.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Increased urine ketones are not indicative of fluid volume deficit. Instead, they may suggest diabetic ketoacidosis or starvation ketosis.

Choice B rationale:

Decreased Hgb (hemoglobin) is not specific to fluid volume deficit and can be seen in various conditions such as anemia or bleeding.

Choice C rationale:

Decreased urine specific gravity is not consistent with fluid volume deficit, as it usually results in concentrated urine with increased specific gravity.

Choice D rationale:

An increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level is expected in fluid volume deficit due to reduced kidney perfusion and function. BUN is a marker of kidney function and is elevated when fluid volume is low.

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A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who has respiratory acidosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who has fluid volume deficit. The nurse should expect which of the following findings?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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