A patient's arterial blood gas (ABG) results include a pH of 7.32, a PaCO2 of 56 mm Hg, and an HCO3 of 24 mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance would the nurse use when developing the patient's plan of care?
Metabolic acidosis.
Metabolic alkalosis.
Respiratory acidosis.
Respiratory alkalosis.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by low blood pH and low bicarbonate ion levels. The patient's bicarbonate ion level (24 mEq/L) is within the normal range, and the low pH (7.32) and elevated PaCO2 (56 mm Hg) indicate respiratory acidosis, not metabolic acidosis.
Choice B rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by high blood pH and high bicarbonate ion levels. The patient's pH is low (7.32), and the bicarbonate ion level (24 mEq/L) is within the normal range, indicating respiratory acidosis rather than metabolic alkalosis.
Choice C rationale:
Respiratory acidosis is characterized by low blood pH and high PaCO2 levels. In this case, the patient has a low pH (7.32) and elevated PaCO2 (56 mm Hg), indicating respiratory acidosis. The bicarbonate ion level (24 mEq/L) is a compensatory response. Respiratory alkalosis would present with high pH and low PaCO2 levels.
Choice D rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by high blood pH and low PaCO2 levels. The patient's PaCO2 level is elevated (56 mm Hg), indicating respiratory acidosis, not alkalosis. The low pH (7.32) further supports the diagnosis of respiratory acidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Restricting all visitors might be beneficial in preventing infections, but it is not the most important strategy for a patient with neutropenia. The main concern is the risk of infections due to the compromised immune system.
Choice B rationale:
Placing the patient in a private room is crucial for a neutropenic patient. Neutropenia, characterized by a low absolute neutrophil count (ANC), significantly compromises the patient's immune system, making them highly susceptible to infections. Isolating the patient helps minimize the risk of exposure to pathogens, reducing the likelihood of infections.
Choice C rationale:
Using an electric shaver instead of a razor is advisable to prevent cuts and minimize the risk of skin infections. While this is a good practice, it is not the most important strategy compared to isolating the patient and using personal protective equipment (PPE) during direct patient care.
Choice D rationale:
Wearing a gown and gloves when in direct contact with the patient is essential to prevent the spread of infections. This is a necessary measure, but isolating the patient in a private room takes precedence as it minimizes the risk of exposure to pathogens, providing a safer environment for the neutropenic patient.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This statement is incorrect. Mexican Americans do not have higher rates of good blood pressure control compared to other populations.
Choice B rationale:
This statement is incorrect. Mexican Americans are not more likely to receive treatment for hypertension compared to other populations.
Choice C rationale:
This statement is incorrect. While hypertension is prevalent among Mexican Americans, stating they have the highest prevalence of hypertension in the world is inaccurate. The prevalence of hypertension is influenced by various factors and can vary across different regions globally.
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