A patient has the following blood gases: PaCO2 33, pH 7.50, HCO3 23. Which of the following could NOT be the cause of this condition?
Aspirin toxicity
Fever
Anxiety attack
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
The Correct Answer is D
A. Aspirin Toxicity:
Effect on Blood Gases: Aspirin toxicity can cause respiratory alkalosis due to increased respiratory rate (hyperventilation), leading to a decreased PaCO2 and increased pH.
Relation to Given Blood Gases: It could potentially cause the observed blood gas values (low PaCO2 and high pH), making it a possible cause.
B. Fever:
Effect on Blood Gases: Fever might cause hyperventilation, resulting in respiratory alkalosis with decreased PaCO2 and increased pH.
Relation to Given Blood Gases: It could potentially cause the observed blood gas values.
C. Anxiety Attack:
Effect on Blood Gases: Anxiety attacks can lead to hyperventilation and subsequent respiratory alkalosis with low PaCO2 and high pH.
Relation to Given Blood Gases: It could potentially cause the observed blood gas values.
D. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):
Effect on Blood Gases: COPD typically causes respiratory acidosis due to impaired gas exchange, resulting in elevated PaCO2 and decreased pH.
Relation to Given Blood Gases: COPD wouldn't typically cause the observed blood gas values of low PaCO2 and high pH.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
A. I will report nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea to my primary care provider.
Correct Understanding: This is correct. Reporting these symptoms is essential because illness, especially with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, can impact blood glucose levels.
B. I should avoid carbohydrates when I'm sick.
Need for Further Teaching: During illness, it's important to continue consuming carbohydrates. However, the type and amount of carbohydrates might need to be adjusted. Patients should consult their healthcare providers for guidance on managing carbohydrate intake during illness.
C. I should stop taking my insulin or oral antidiabetic agents.
Need for Further Teaching: It is not advisable to stop insulin or oral antidiabetic agents during illness. In fact, these medications often need to be continued, with potential adjustments made under the guidance of healthcare providers.
D. I will test my blood glucose and test urine ketones every 3 to 4 hours.
Correct Understanding: This is correct. Regular monitoring of blood glucose and urine ketones during illness is crucial for managing diabetes and detecting any potential complications.
E. I will continue taking my insulin or oral antidiabetic agents as usual.
Correct Understanding: This is correct. It's important to continue taking insulin or oral antidiabetic agents during illness to help manage blood glucose levels.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Respiratory acidosis:
This occurs when there is inadequate removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) by the respiratory system. In the case of the patient post-op from knee surgery receiving Morphine, the opioid can cause respiratory depression, leading to the retention of CO2 and the development of respiratory acidosis. Signs include a decreased respiratory rate and drowsiness.
B. Hypokalemia:
This is a condition characterized by low levels of potassium in the blood. While opioids can cause constipation, they are not directly associated with hypokalemia.
C. Metabolic acidosis:
This occurs when there is an increase in acid production or a loss of bicarbonate, leading to an imbalance in the body's acid-base status. The symptoms of metabolic acidosis are not typically associated with opioid use.
D. Respiratory alkalosis:
This occurs when there is excessive elimination of CO2, leading to decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Opioids, especially in higher doses, are more likely to cause respiratory depression and acidosis rather than alkalosis. The patient's low respiratory rate and drowsiness are indicative of respiratory acidosis rather than alkalosis.
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