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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While magnesium is indeed the most abundant intracellular cation in the body, this fact alone does not explain why the nurse would assess the patient's magnesium level.
Choice B rationale:
Magnesium imbalance can cause issues in the extracellular fluid compartment, but this choice does not explain why the nurse would specifically assess the patient's magnesium level.
Choice D rationale:
While hypotension can be a symptom of severe magnesium deficiency, this choice does not provide a rationale for assessing the patient's magnesium level. In this case, choice C is correct because magnesium plays a crucial role in neuromuscular excitability and contractility. Abnormal magnesium levels can lead to neuromuscular symptoms such as muscle weakness, tremors, and spasms. Additionally, magnesium is involved in cardiac muscle function, and low magnesium levels can lead to arrhythmias and other cardiac issues. Therefore, assessing the patient's magnesium level is essential in understanding their neuromuscular and cardiac health.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Chronic stable angina typically occurs with both activity and rest due to the increased oxygen demand of the heart during exertion. It is relieved with rest or nitroglycerin, which helps to decrease the heart's workload. This choice accurately represents the characteristic of chronic stable angina.
Choice B rationale:
Chronic stable angina usually lasts for a short duration, usually around 5 minutes, and is relieved with rest or nitroglycerin. Prolonged pain lasting 10-15 minutes or more could indicate an unstable angina or myocardial infarction. This choice is incorrect for chronic stable angina.
Choice C rationale:
Pain due to chronic stable angina subsides when the precipitating factor, such as physical exertion, is resolved or with medication like nitroglycerin. Therefore, this statement is incorrect for chronic stable angina.
Choice D rationale:
Chronic stable angina follows a predictable pattern, occurring intermittently over a period of time, and is usually triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress. This option does not accurately represent the typical pattern of chronic stable angina.
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