A patient's ABG results came back with the following values: pH 7.25, CO2 40, HCO3 22. How would you, as the nurse, interpret these results?
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a normal or low HCO3. In this case, the pH is 7.25, which is below the normal range of 7.35-7.45, and the HCO3 is 22, which is at the lower end of the normal range of 22-26 mEq/L, indicating metabolic acidosis.
Choice B reason: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a high CO2 level. However, in this scenario, the CO2 is 40, which is within the normal range of 35-45 mmHg, ruling out respiratory acidosis.
Choice C reason: Metabolic alkalosis would present with a high pH and a high HCO3 level. Since the pH is low, metabolic alkalosis is not the correct answer.
Choice D reason: Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a low CO2 level and a high pH. Given that the CO2 is normal and the pH is low, respiratory alkalosis is not the condition indicated by these ABG results.
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Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and a high HCO3 level, which is not present in this scenario.
Choice B reason: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a high PaCO2 and a low pH. Although the pH is low here, the PaCO2 is also low, ruling out respiratory acidosis.
Choice C reason: Metabolic acidosis is indicated by a low pH and a low HCO3 level, which aligns with the patient's ABG results.
Choice D reason: Respiratory alkalosis would present with a high pH and a low PaCO2, which is not the case here.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Obstructive sleep apnea can increase the risk of postoperative complications due to potential breathing problems and the effects of anesthesia.
Choice B reason: A glucose level of 75 mg/dL is within the normal fasting range (70-99 mg/dL) and does not typically place a patient at increased risk for postoperative complications.
Choice C reason: A BMI of 24 falls within the normal weight range (18.5-24.9) and is not considered a risk factor for postoperative complications.
Choice D reason: While increased anxiety can affect a patient's experience, it is not a direct risk factor for postoperative complications like obstructive sleep apnea is.
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