A nurse reviews the arterial blood gas (ABG) values of a client admitted with pneumonia: pH, 7.32; PaCO2, 48 mm Hg; PaO2, 70 mm Hg; and HCO3, 24 mEq/L. What do these values indicate?
Metabolic Acidosis
Respiratory Acidosis
Metabolic Alkalosis
Respiratory Alkalosis
The Correct Answer is B
A. Metabolic Acidosis
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and low bicarbonate (HCO3) level. In this case, the pH is low (indicating acidosis), but the bicarbonate level is within the normal range, which is inconsistent with metabolic acidosis.
B. Respiratory Acidosis
This is correct. Respiratory acidosis is characterized by an elevated partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), leading to a decrease in pH. The ABG values in this case indicate elevated PaCO2 and a low pH, consistent with respiratory acidosis.
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and high bicarbonate (HCO3) level. In this case, the pH is low (indicating acidosis), which is inconsistent with metabolic alkalosis.
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a low partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) and a high pH. In this case, the PaCO2 is elevated, which is inconsistent with respiratory alkalosis.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Respiratory acidosis:
This occurs when there is inadequate ventilation, leading to an accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood. In the context of a nasogastric tube attached to low suction, respiratory acidosis is not the primary concern. It is more associated with conditions like respiratory depression or lung diseases.
B. Metabolic acidosis:
Metabolic acidosis results from an excess of acid or a loss of bicarbonate. It is not the typical outcome of a nasogastric tube attached to low suction. Conditions like diarrhea or renal failure are more commonly associated with metabolic acidosis.
C. Respiratory alkalosis:
Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is excessive loss of carbon dioxide from the body, often due to hyperventilation. This is not a typical consequence of a nasogastric tube attached to low suction.
D. Metabolic alkalosis:
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an excess of bicarbonate or a loss of acid. In the given context, with the nasogastric tube attached to low suction, there is a potential loss of gastric acid, contributing to metabolic alkalosis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Erythropoietin (Epogen):
Explanation: Erythropoietin is a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells. In chronic kidney disease, especially when associated with anemia, the production of erythropoietin by the kidneys may be reduced. Erythropoietin (Epogen) is commonly used to stimulate the production of red blood cells and manage anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease.
B. Eltrombopag (Promacta):
Explanation: Eltrombopag is a medication used to stimulate the production of platelets and is primarily indicated for conditions associated with thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). It is not used to treat anemia associated with chronic kidney disease.
C. GM-CSF (Leukine):
Explanation: Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF or Leukine) is a medication that stimulates the production of white blood cells and is used in certain conditions to address decreased white blood cell counts. It is not typically used for managing anemia.
D. Thrombopoietin (TPO):
Explanation: Thrombopoietin is a hormone that stimulates the production of platelets. Medications that mimic the action of thrombopoietin, such as romiplostim and eltrombopag, are used to treat thrombocytopenia. Thrombopoietin is not used for the treatment of anemia.
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