A nurse working in an emergency department is reviewing laboratory results of a client who is unconscious and has fruity odor to his breath. The nurse suspects diabetic ketoacidosis. Which of the following results should the nurse expect for this acid-base imbalance?
Bicarbonate 26 mEq/L
Serum pH 7.32
Creatinine 1.2 mg/dL
BUN 20 mg/dL
The Correct Answer is B
A) Bicarbonate 26 mEq/L: A bicarbonate level of 26 mEq/L is within the normal range (22-28 mEq/L) and does not indicate metabolic acidosis, which is characteristic of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In DKA, bicarbonate levels are usually decreased due to buffering of the excess acids.
B) Serum pH 7.32: A serum pH of 7.32 is indicative of acidemia, which is consistent with metabolic acidosis seen in DKA. The pH is typically lower than the normal range (7.35-7.45) in DKA due to the accumulation of ketoacids.
C) Creatinine 1.2 mg/dL: A creatinine level of 1.2 mg/dL is slightly elevated but does not specifically indicate metabolic acidosis. Elevated creatinine may suggest renal impairment but is not directly linked to the acid-base disturbance seen in DKA.
D) BUN 20 mg/dL: A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 20 mg/dL is elevated and may indicate dehydration or kidney dysfunction but does not specifically diagnose the acid-base imbalance associated with DKA. In DKA, bicarbonate and pH levels are more directly affected.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Painful vesicles along a dermatome:
This finding is typically associated with herpes zoster (shingles), not scabies. Shingles causes painful vesicles that follow the path of a nerve and are confined to one side of the body, which does not align with the presentation of scabies.
B) Acneiform nodules on the face:
Acneiform nodules are related to conditions such as acne vulgaris, not scabies. Scabies does not typically present with acne-like lesions on the face but rather with intense itching and a specific rash.
C) Wheals surrounding raised bite marks:
Wheals and bite marks are more indicative of insect bites or conditions like urticaria (hives). Scabies is caused by mites that burrow under the skin, leading to a different type of rash.
D) Raised, linear burrows:
Raised, linear burrows are characteristic of scabies. These burrows are caused by the female mite as it tunnels just under the skin to lay eggs, resulting in a distinctive rash and intense itching, especially at night.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Weight gain: Weight gain is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure due to fluid retention and peripheral edema. While left-sided heart failure can lead to overall heart failure, causing weight gain, it is not as specific as breathlessness for left-sided failure.
B) Warm extremities after walking: Warm extremities are generally a sign of good circulation. In clients with left-sided heart failure, reduced cardiac output often leads to poor peripheral circulation, which would more likely cause cool extremities.
C) Breathlessness when carrying an object: Left-sided heart failure leads to decreased cardiac output and pulmonary congestion. As a result, clients often experience breathlessness or dyspnea, especially during physical activities, because the heart cannot efficiently pump blood, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs.
D) Increased urinary output during the day: Left-sided heart failure usually causes decreased renal perfusion, leading to reduced urinary output during the day. Clients might experience nocturia (increased nighttime urination) due to fluid reabsorption when lying down, but increased daytime output is not typical.
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.