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. Increasing sodium intake is generally not recommended in chronic kidney disease, as it can exacerbate hypertension and fluid retention.
B. Epoetin alfa is a medication used to treat anemia associated with chronic kidney disease, and iron supplementation is often necessary to support erythropoiesis.
C. Potassium intake may need to be restricted in chronic kidney disease, especially in later stages when kidney function declines.
D. Protein intake may need to be adjusted in chronic kidney disease, but it's not directly related to the prescription of epoetin alfa.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
The nurse should report the hoarseness of the client's voice, which could indicate recurrent laryngeal nerve damage, which is a risk associated with thyroid surgery. Tingling around the mouth may suggest hypocalcemia, a common complication after thyroidectomy due to accidental removal or damage to the parathyroid glands. The moderate serosanguinous drainage on the neck dressing could signify bleeding or infection, which requires immediate attention. The noted tremor in both hands and the increase in temperature could be signs of a thyroid storm, a rare but life-threatening condition.
Furthermore, the client's restlessness could be a response to discomfort or could indicate a more serious issue, such as an impending thyrotoxic crisis. Oxygen saturation at 95% is within normal limits postoperatively; however, it should be monitored closely.
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