A patient's arterial blood gas (ABG) values include a pH of 7.48, a PaCO2 of 38, and an HCO3- of 30. Around which acid-base imbalance would the nurse plan the patient's care?
Metabolic acidosis.
Metabolic alkalosis.
Respiratory acidosis.
Respiratory alkalosis.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and a low bicarbonate level (<22 mEq/L) The given arterial blood gas (ABG) values indicate a pH of 7.48 (which is alkalotic), a PaCO2 of 38 (within the normal range of 35-45 mm Hg), and an HCO3- of 30 (which is elevated) These values indicate metabolic alkalosis, not metabolic acidosis.
Choice B rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and an elevated bicarbonate level (>26 mEq/L) The given ABG values indicate a pH of 7.48 (which is alkalotic) and an elevated HCO3- of 30, indicating metabolic alkalosis. This condition can result from excessive loss of acids (e.g., vomiting) or excessive intake of bicarbonate or alkali substances.
Choice C rationale:
Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and a high PaCO2 (>45 mm Hg) The given ABG values indicate a normal pH of 7.48 and a PaCO2 of 38 (within the normal range), ruling out respiratory acidosis.
Choice D rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and a low PaCO2 (<35 mm Hg) The given ABG values indicate a pH of 7.48 (which is alkalotic) and a PaCO2 of 38 (within the normal range), ruling out respiratory alkalosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Eliminating excess H+ ions (hydrogen ions) is a primary mechanism the kidneys use to buffer acidosis. In acidosis, there is an excess of hydrogen ions in the body, leading to a decrease in pH. The kidneys help regulate the body's pH by excreting hydrogen ions to lower acidity.
Choice B rationale:
Excreting excess water is not a specific acid-base mechanism related to acidosis. While maintaining proper hydration is important for overall health, it does not directly influence the body's acid-base balance in the context of acidosis.
Choice C rationale:
Eliminating excess CO2 is primarily a respiratory mechanism, not a kidney function. CO2 elimination is more related to the lungs' ability to regulate the body's pH by adjusting respiratory rate and depth.
Choice D rationale:
Reabsorbing additional HCO3- ions (bicarbonate ions) is a renal mechanism to buffer acidosis. Bicarbonate ions act as a base and can neutralize excess hydrogen ions, raising the pH of the body fluids.
Choice E rationale:
Reabsorbing additional sodium ions is not a specific acid-base mechanism related to acidosis. While sodium ions are important for various physiological processes, they do not play a direct role in buffering acidosis.
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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