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 C
Explanation
A. Making a list of favorite beverages shows awareness but does not necessarily indicate an understanding of fluid restriction.
B. Putting beverages in large containers to deceive fluid intake is not a recommended or appropriate strategy for managing fluid restriction.
C. Not adding fluid-rich foods like ice cream to the total fluid intake demonstrates an understanding of fluid restriction and adherence to the prescribed limit.
D. Consuming most fluids during the evening is not an appropriate strategy for fluid restriction; fluid intake should be evenly distributed throughout the day.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. This intervention is not relevant to diabetes insipidus, which affects water balance rather than glucose levels.
B. Checking urine specific gravity helps assess the concentration of urine, which can be very dilute in diabetes insipidus.
C. Diabetes insipidus is already characterized by excessive urination (polyuria), so administering a diuretic would exacerbate fluid loss.
D. Fluid restrictions are not typically necessary in diabetes insipidus because the primary issue is water loss rather than retention.
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