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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Respiratory acidosis.
Choice A rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis occurs when there is an increase in pH and bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) levels, which is not the case here. The pH value in this scenario is 7.22, indicating acidosis.
Choice B rationale:
Respiratory acidosis results from the retention of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) in the blood, leading to a decrease in pH. In this case, the pH is low (7.22), and the PacO₂ is elevated (68 mm Hg), supporting the diagnosis of respiratory acidosis.
Choice C rationale:
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in pH and bicarbonate levels, along with a possible negative base excess. However, in this scenario, the base excess is -2, which does not indicate metabolic acidosis.
Choice D rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is a decrease in PaCO₂, leading to an increase in blood pH. The ABG values provided (pH 7.22, PacO₂ 68 mm Hg) are not consistent with respiratory alkalosis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Cerebral bleeding. Choice A rationale:
Stress fractures are not directly related to hypernatremia. Hypernatremia is an electrolyte imbalance, and its main effects are related to cellular dehydration and neurological symptoms rather than bone fractures.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct answer because hypernatremia can lead to severe dehydration and cause neurological complications, including cerebral bleeding. The brain cells can shrink due to water loss, causing blood vessels to rupture, leading to bleeding in the brain.
Choice C rationale:
Atrial dysrhythmias are not directly associated with hypernatremia. Hypernatremia primarily affects the central nervous system and can lead to neurological symptoms rather than cardiac dysrhythmias.
Choice D rationale:
Pulmonary edema is not a likely consequence of hypernatremia. Pulmonary edema is associated with fluid volume excess, not fluid volume deficit, which is characteristic of hypernatremia.
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