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. 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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Wheezing is not typically associated with hyperkalemia. It can be seen in conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
B. Hyperkalemia can lead to neuromuscular manifestations, including decreased deep tendon reflexes due to suppression of neuromuscular excitability.
C. Cerebral edema is not a typical manifestation of hyperkalemia. It may occur in conditions such as hyponatremia or severe metabolic acidosis.
D. Gastrointestinal manifestations of hyperkalemia are typically related to smooth muscle involvement and can include hyperactive bowel sounds or diarrhea.
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