An adult patient presents with a complaint of a cough that has lasted for two weeks. The patient has a rapid, shallow respiratory rate of 34 breaths per minute. Auscultation of the lungs reveals bilateral rhonchi in the upper lobes and diminished breath sounds in the bilateral lower lobes. The patient is diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and respiratory alkalosis. What is the expected arterial blood gas laboratory value for this patient?
pH 7.5 and PaCO2 32 mm Hg
pH 6.5 and PaCO2 40 mm Hg
pH 6.5 and PaCO2 32 mm Hg
pH 7.5 and PaCO2 40 mm Hg
The Correct Answer is A
Respiratory alkalosis is a condition where the blood's pH is elevated due to excessive removal of CO2 from the body. This can occur when the breathing rate is too fast or deep, such as in response to hypoxia, anxiety, fever, or lung disease. When CO2 is removed from the blood, less H2CO3 is formed, which raises the blood's pH by decreasing the concentration of H+ and HCO3- . A normal blood pH is between 7.35 and 7.45, and a normal partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) is between 35- and 45 mm Hg. Therefore, a patient with respiratory alkalosis would have a higher-than-normal pH and a lower-than-normal PaCO2.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after delivery. It is characterized by high blood glucose levels that can affect the health of both the mother and the fetus. Polydipsia (excessive thirst) and polyphagia (excessive hunger) are common symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood glucose). Incontinence may occur due to increased pressure on the bladder from the growing uterus or from nerve damage caused by diabetes. An A1C test measures the average blood glucose level over the past two to three months and is used to diagnose and monitor diabetes. A normal A1C level is below 5.7%, while a level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in the production of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and nerve function. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anemia, neurological problems, and cognitive impairment. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be attributed to alcoholism because alcohol interferes with the absorption and metabolism of vitamin B12 in the stomach and liver. Alcohol also damages the lining of the intestines, where vitamin B12 is absorbed from food sources.
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