If your patient has a higher than normal pH (alkalosis), you would expect to also see:

Low HCO3- and high PaCO2

Low PaCO2 and low HCO3-

Low PaCO2 and high HCO3-

High PaCO2 and high HCO3-

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because low HCO3- and high PaCO2 are signs of metabolic acidosis, not alkalosis. Metabolic acidosis is a condition where the blood pH is lower than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, due to an excess of acids or a loss of bases in the body.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because low PaCO2 and low HCO3- are signs of respiratory acidosis, not alkalosis. Respiratory acidosis is a condition where the blood pH is lower than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, due to impaired gas exchange or hypoventilation, which causes carbon dioxide to accumulate in the blood.

Choice C reason: This is correct because low PaCO2 and high HCO3- are signs of alkalosis. Alkalosis is a condition where the blood pH is higher than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, due to a loss of acids or an excess of bases in the body. There are two types of alkalosis: respiratory and metabolic. Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, which lowers the PaCO2 in the blood. Metabolic alkalosis is caused by vomiting, diuretics, or excessive intake of antacids, which raises the HCO3- in the blood.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because high PaCO2 and high HCO3- are signs of compensation, not alkalosis. Compensation is a process where the body tries to restore the normal pH by adjusting the levels of PaCO2 and HCO3- in the opposite direction of the primary disorder. For example, if the patient has metabolic alkalosis, the respiratory system will try to compensate by retaining carbon dioxide and lowering the PaCO2. If the patient has respiratory alkalosis, the renal system will try to compensate by excreting bicarbonate and lowering the HCO3-.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is a low value for serum calcium, which indicates hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia can cause muscle spasms, tetany, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Choice B reason: This is also a low value for serum calcium, which indicates hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia can cause muscle spasms, tetany, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Choice C reason: This is the normal range of serum calcium in adults. Calcium is essential for bone health, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and blood clotting.

Choice D reason: This is a high value for serum calcium, which indicates hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, confusion, lethargy, and kidney stones.

A. Potential for over-hydration related to excessive thirst B. Potential for diarrhea related to dehydration C. Potential for pulmonary congestion related to excessive fluid intake D. Potential for fall related to confusion

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because over-hydration is unlikely in a dehydrated patient. Over-hydration is a condition where the body has too much water, which can cause hyponatremia, edema, and cerebral swelling.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because diarrhea is a cause, not a consequence, of dehydration. Diarrhea is the frequent and watery passage of stool, which can lead to fluid and electrolyte loss.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because pulmonary congestion is also unlikely in a dehydrated patient. Pulmonary congestion is a condition where the lungs are filled with fluid, which can cause dyspnea, cough, and crackles.

Choice D reason: This is correct because fall is a potential complication of dehydration. Dehydration can cause confusion, dizziness, weakness, and hypotension, which can increase the risk of falling and injuring oneself.

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If your patient has a higher than normal pH (alkalosis), you would expect to also see:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

What is the normal range of serum calcium in adults?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse caring for a frail 92-year-old dehydrated patient should add to the plan of care:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Which patient is at the highest risk for dehydration?

A patient has end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which acid-base imbalance would be predictable in a patient with COPD?

An electrolyte is a mineral or salt dissolved in the body. (Write True or False)

A client has the following laboratory values: a pH of 7.55, an HCO3 level of 22 mEq/L, and a PaCO2 of 30 mmHg. Which action would the nurse plan to take?

The nurse reviews a client's electrolyte results and notes that the potassium level is 5.4 mEq/L. What would the nurse look for on the cardiac monitor as a result of this laboratory value?

Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause abdominal pain, urinary retention, and confusion?

The registered nurse reviews the result of the arterial blood gas values with the licensed practical nurse and tells the LPN that the client has respiratory acidosis. The LPN would expect to note which of the following on the laboratory result report?

Lena Mason, who has diabetes, is admitted in a stuporous condition. Her blood gases show a pH of 7.33, PaCO2 of 40 mm Hg, and HCO3- of 20 mEq/L. What type of acid-base imbalance does this patient have?