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-
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-.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because this represents respiratory alkalosis, not acidosis. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and a low PCO2.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because this represents a mixed disorder, not a pure respiratory acidosis. A mixed disorder occurs when both the pH and the PCO2 are abnormal, but in opposite directions.
Choice C reason: This is correct because this represents respiratory acidosis. Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a high PCO2.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because this represents normal values, not respiratory acidosis. Normal values for pH and PCO2 are 7.35 to 7.45 and 35 to 45 mmHg, respectively.
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A"}
Explanation
Choice A reason: Diffusion is the process by which small ions such as glucose, oxygen, and carbon dioxide redistribute themselves through semipermeable membranes from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration. This is how these molecules move across the cell membrane and the capillary wall.
Choice B reason: Osmosis is the process by which water moves through semipermeable membranes from areas of lower solute concentration to areas of higher solute concentration. This is how water balance is maintained across the cell membrane and the capillary wall.
Choice C reason: Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood on the walls of the blood vessels. It is not a process by which small ions redistribute themselves through semipermeable membranes, but rather a factor that influences the movement of fluids and solutes across the capillary wall.
Choice D reason: Rehydration is the process of restoring the fluid balance in the body by drinking fluids or receiving intravenous fluids. It is not a process by which small ions redistribute themselves through semipermeable membranes, but rather a treatment for dehydration.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today