A woman was brought to the emergency department of a hospital after she fell into the ground and hurt her left leg. She is noted to be tachycardic and tachypneic. Painkillers were carried out to lessen her pain. Suddenly, she started complaining that she is still in pain and now experiencing muscle cramps, tingling, and paraesthesia. Measurement of arterial blood gas reveals pH 7.6, PaO2 120 mm Hg. PaCO2 31 mm Hg, and HCO3 25 mmol/L.
What does this mean?
Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated
Metabolic Alkalosis. Uncompensated
Metabolic Alkalosis. Partially Compensated
The Correct Answer is B
A. This is incorrect because the pH is indicative of alkalosis, not acidosis, and the body has not compensated.
B. The arterial blood gas (ABG) values provided indicate a pH of 7.6, which is above the normal range (7.35-7.45), suggesting alkalosis. The PaCO2 is low at 31 mm Hg, indicating hyperventilation, which is a respiratory process. Since the HCO3 is normal at 25 mmol/L, it suggests that the metabolic system is not the cause of the alkalosis. The body has not had time to compensate for the high pH with renal adjustments to the bicarbonate level, which would be seen in a partially compensated state.
C. This is incorrect because the bicarbonate level is normal, suggesting the metabolic system is not the cause.
D. This is incorrect because the bicarbonate level is normal, suggesting the metabolic system is not the cause.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Placing the client in Trendelenburg position is not appropriate in this situation. It may worsen respiratory depression caused by magnesium sulfate.
B. Absent deep-tendon reflexes and respiratory depression are signs of magnesium toxicity.
Discontinuing the medication infusion is essential to prevent further toxicity.
C. While preeclampsia can lead to complications necessitating emergency cesarean birth, the immediate concern here is addressing magnesium toxicity.
D. Assessing maternal blood glucose is not relevant to the management of magnesium toxicity.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and low bicarbonate levels (HCO3).
B. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and high bicarbonate levels (HCO3).
C. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and low PaCO2 levels.
D. The pH is below the normal range (7.35-7.45), indicating acidosis. The PaCO2 is elevated, indicating respiratory acidosis, as an increase in PaCO2 leads to an increase in carbonic acid and a decrease in pH.
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