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?

Choice A rationale:

Dizziness with a blood pressure of 150/92 mm Hg indicates hypertension, but it is not an immediate life-threatening condition requiring urgent assessment compared to a severe headache and vomiting.

Choice B rationale:

A severe headache and vomiting could be indicative of a serious neurological condition such as a stroke, intracranial bleeding, or increased intracranial pressure. This patient needs urgent assessment and intervention to prevent potential complications.

Choice C rationale:

A hip fracture with a pain level of 2 on a 1-to-10 scale suggests pain but is not immediately life-threatening compared to symptoms like severe headache and vomiting.

Choice D rationale:

Fatigue after receiving an ACE inhibitor is a common side effect and, while important to monitor, does not pose an immediate threat compared to the symptoms of severe headache and vomiting.

Choice A rationale:

0.459% saline is a hypotonic solution with a lower concentration of salt than the normal physiological range (0.9% NaCl) Hypotonic solutions can cause red blood cells to swell and potentially burst due to the osmotic imbalance, making it inappropriate for hypovolemic shock.

Choice B rationale:

0.9% NaCl, also known as normal saline, is an isotonic solution with a salt concentration similar to the body's own fluids. Isotonic solutions are ideal for hypovolemic shock as they help to expand the intravascular volume without causing significant shifts of fluid and electrolytes within the body compartments.

Choice C rationale:

5% dextrose in 0.45% saline is a hypotonic solution with a low salt concentration. While it provides some fluid replacement, it doesn't address the electrolyte imbalance adequately, which is crucial in hypovolemic shock.

Choice D rationale:

Dextran is a plasma volume expander but is not the first-line choice for hypovolemic shock. It might be used in certain situations, but isotonic crystalloids like 0.9% NaCl are preferred for rapid volume expansion and stabilization of the patient.