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 B

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because bradypnea is a term for slow breathing, usually less than 12 breaths per minute. The client is breathing rapidly, not slowly.

Choice B reason: This is correct because Kussmaul's respirations are a type of breathing pattern that is deep, regular, and rapid, usually more than 20 breaths per minute. Kussmaul's respirations are a sign of metabolic acidosis, which occurs in diabetic ketoacidosis due to the accumulation of ketones in the blood. The client is trying to exhale the excess carbon dioxide and lower the acidity of the blood.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because Cheyne-Stokes respirations are a type of breathing pattern that is irregular, with periods of apnea (no breathing) alternating with periods of rapid breathing. Cheyne-Stokes respirations are a sign of cerebral dysfunction, such as stroke, brain injury, or coma.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because Biot's respirations are a type of breathing pattern that is irregular, with periods of apnea (no breathing) interspersed with periods of normal breathing. Biot's respirations are a sign of brainstem damage, such as meningitis, encephalitis, or head trauma.

A. Respiratory alkalosis B. Metabolic acidosis C. Respiratory acidosis D. Metabolic alkalosis E. Metabolic alkalosis

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, which lowers the carbon dioxide levels in the blood and raises the pH. This is not likely to occur in a client with a nasogastric tube on low suction.

Choice B reason: Metabolic acidosis is caused by an excess of acids or a loss of bases in the body, which lowers the pH. This can occur in conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure, or diarrhea. This is not likely to occur in a client with a nasogastric tube on low suction.

Choice C reason: Respiratory acidosis is caused by hypoventilation, which raises the carbon dioxide levels in the blood and lowers the pH. This can occur in conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, or sedative overdose. This is not likely to occur in a client with a nasogastric tube on low suction.

Choice D reason: Metabolic alkalosis is caused by a loss of acids or an excess of bases in the body, which raises the pH. This can occur in conditions such as vomiting, gastric suction, or diuretic use. This is the most likely acid-base disorder to occur in a client with a nasogastric tube on low suction, as the tube removes gastric acid from the stomach.

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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

The nurse observed that a client with diabetic ketoacidosis is experiencing abnormally deep, regular, and rapid respirations. How would the nurse document this observation in the medical record?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube that is attached to low suction. The nurse monitors the client closely for which acid-base disorder that is most likely to occur in this situation?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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