A patient newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus is admitted to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. ABG results reveal a pH of 7.2 and a bicarbonate level of 20 mEq/L. What other assessment findings should the nurse anticipate in this patient? Select all that apply.

Dysrhythmias.

Kussmaul respirations.

Weakness.

Cold, clammy skin.

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : B,C,E

Choice A rationale:

Dysrhythmias are not a direct consequence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or the acid-base imbalance indicated by the patient's pH of 7.2 and bicarbonate level of 20 mEq/L. DKA primarily affects the respiratory system, leading to Kussmaul respirations, not dysrhythmias.

Choice B rationale:

Kussmaul respirations are an expected finding in a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and metabolic acidosis. These deep, rapid breaths are the body's attempt to compensate for the acidosis by eliminating excess CO2.

Choice C rationale:

Weakness is a common symptom of DKA. The hyperglycemia and acidosis result in intracellular dehydration and impaired cellular function, leading to weakness and fatigue.

Choice D rationale:

Cold, clammy skin is not typically associated with DKA. Instead, patients with DKA may have warm, dry skin due to dehydration and impaired thermoregulation.

Choice E rationale:

Tachycardia is an expected finding in a patient with DKA. The metabolic acidosis and dehydration lead to an increase in heart rate as the body attempts to maintain perfusion.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Metabolic alkalosis.

Choice A rationale:

The given blood gas results show a pH of 7.53, which is alkaline (above the normal range of

7.35 to 7.45), and a high bicarbonate level of 36 mEq/L (normal range is 22 to 26 mEq/L). This combination indicates metabolic alkalosis, a condition where there is an excessive accumulation of bicarbonate in the blood, leading to increased pH.

Choice B rationale:

Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by increased blood bicarbonate levels, which can occur due to conditions like vomiting, diuretic use, or excessive ingestion of bicarbonate-containing substances. It results in symptoms such as muscle twitching, tetany, and respiratory depression.

Choice C rationale:

Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by an elevated blood pH and low carbon dioxide levels (hypocapnia). However, the bicarbonate level is not directly related to respiratory alkalosis, making this choice incorrect based on the given information.

Choice D rationale:

Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decreased blood pH and low bicarbonate levels. The presented blood gas results show an alkaline pH and high bicarbonate, making this choice incorrect.

A. Hypocalcemia. B. Hypercalcemia. C. Hyperkalemia. D. Hypokalemia.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Hypocalcemia refers to low levels of calcium in the blood, which can present with symptoms like muscle cramps, numbness, and tingling. However, this choice is not relevant to the patient's symptoms in the scenario.

Choice B rationale:

Hypercalcemia is an electrolyte imbalance characterized by high levels of calcium in the blood. It can lead to ECG changes and symptoms like muscle weakness, confusion, and constipation. However, this is not the correct answer in the given scenario.

Choice C rationale:

The patient's symptoms of ECG changes and muscle weakness are consistent with hyperkalemia. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, and its use can lead to increased potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia), which can affect the heart's electrical activity and cause muscle weakness.

Choice D rationale:

Hypokalemia is a condition where there is a low level of potassium in the blood. It can lead to muscle weakness, ECG changes, and other symptoms, but it is not the correct answer in this specific situation involving spironolactone use.

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A patient newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus is admitted to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. ABG results reveal a pH of 7.2 and a bicarbonate level of 20 mEq/L. What other assessment findings should the nurse anticipate in this patient? Select all that apply.

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient's blood gases show a pH of 7.53 and bicarbonate level of 36 mEq/L. The nurse realizes that the patient is demonstrating which acid-base disorder?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A patient prescribed spironolactone is demonstrating ECG changes and complaining of muscle weakness. The nurse realizes this patient is exhibiting signs of which electrolyte imbalance?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A patient is diagnosed with hypokalemia. After reviewing the patient's current medications, which drug should the nurse consider that might have contributed to the patient's health problem?

A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse recognize as a potential causative factor?

A client is admitted to the emergency room with a respiratory rate of 7/min. Arterial blood gases (ABG) reveal the following values. Which of the following is an appropriate analysis of the ABGs? pH 7.22, PacO₂ 68 mm Hg, Base excess -2, PaO₂ 78 mm Hg, Saturation 80%, Bicarbonate 26 mEq/L.

A patient is admitted with hypernatremia caused by being stranded on a boat in the Atlantic Ocean for five days without a fresh water source. What is this patient at risk for developing?

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

A patient newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus is admitted to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. ABG results reveal a pH of 7.2 and a bicarbonate level of 20 mEq/L. What other assessment findings should the nurse anticipate in this patient? Select all that apply.

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has fluid volume deficit. The nurse would expect which of the following findings?

The patient is prescribed to receive intravenous potassium chloride (KCL). Which actions should the nurse take when administering this medication? Select all that apply.