Anna's mother has been suffering from persistent vomiting for two days now. She appears to be lethargic and weak and has myalgia. She is noted to have dry mucus membranes and her capillary refill takes >4 seconds. She is diagnosed as having gastroenteritis and dehydration. Measurement of arterial blood gas shows pH 7.5, PaO2 85 mm Hg, PaCO2 40 mm Hg, and HCO3 34 mmol/L.
What acid-base disorder is shown?
Respiratory Acidosis. Partially Compensated
Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
Respiratory Alkalosis. Uncompensated
Metabolic Alkalosis, Uncompensated
The Correct Answer is B
A. Respiratory Acidosis, both compensated and uncompensated, is characterized by an elevated PaCO2, which is not present in this case.
B. The elevated pH (7.5) and HCO3 (34 mmol/L) indicate metabolic alkalosis. The elevated pH and the slightly elevated PaCO2 (40 mm Hg) suggest the partially compensated state, which is the respiratory compensation attempting to correct the alkalosis.
C. The fact that the PaCO2 is not low rules out respiratory alkalosis.
D. The arterial blood gas values indicate a high pH (7.5), a normal PaCO2 (40 mm Hg), and an elevated HCO3 (34 mmol/L), which are indicative of metabolic alkalosis. However, the elevated pH and the slightly elevated PaCO2 (40 mm Hg) suggest a partially compensated state.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Polyuria (excessive urination) is not typically associated with low calcium levels. It may occur in conditions such as diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus.
B. Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) can lead to neuromuscular irritability, which may manifest as muscle tremors or spasms. This is a classic sign of hypocalcemia.
C. Dry, sticky mucous membranes are more indicative of dehydration rather than hypocalcemia.
D. Negative Chvostek's sign means the absence of facial muscle twitching upon tapping the facial nerve, which is not expected in hypocalcemia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Vasopressin does not typically affect blood pressure significantly.
B. Vasopressin is not used to lower blood sugar levels; it is primarily used for water retention.
C. Vasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), acts on the kidneys to decrease urine output, making this the expected outcome of therapy.
D. Specific gravity of urine may increase with vasopressin therapy due to decreased urine output, rather than decrease.
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