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?
Respiratory acidosis.
Metabolic alkalosis.
Respiratory alkalosis.
Metabolic acidosis.
The Correct Answer is B
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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
25 mg/dL.
Choice A rationale:
A BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) level of 10 mg/dL is within the normal range, indicating normal kidney function. There is no indication to report this value to the provider for a dehydrated client.
Choice B rationale:
A BUN level of 18 mg/dL is within the normal range as well. This value does not suggest significant dehydration, so it is not necessary to report it to the provider in this context.
Choice C rationale:
A BUN level of 13 mg/dL is also within the normal range, and similar to choices A and B, it does not indicate severe dehydration that requires immediate reporting to the provider.
Choice D rationale:
A BUN level of 25 mg/dL is elevated, which may indicate dehydration, kidney dysfunction, or other issues affecting fluid balance. Since the client is dehydrated, this elevated value needs to be reported to the provider for further evaluation and appropriate intervention.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A phosphorus level of 4.5 mEq/L falls within the normal range, which is typically between 2.5 to 4.5 mEq/L. Although it's essential to monitor phosphorus levels, it is not the priority finding in this scenario.
Choice B rationale:
A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L is the priority finding. The normal range for potassium is typically between 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L indicates severe hypokalemia, which can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Immediate intervention is necessary to address the potassium imbalance.
Choice C rationale:
A calcium level of 8.2 mg/dL falls within the normal range (typically 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL). While calcium levels are essential to monitor, they do not take precedence over the critically low potassium level in this situation.
Choice D rationale:
A sodium level of 145 mEq/L falls within the normal range, which is usually around 135 to 145 mEq/L. Although monitoring sodium levels is important, it is not the priority finding when compared to the critically low potassium level.
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