Interpret the following arterial blood gas: pH 7.43: HCO3 35: Paco 46.
Respiratory acidosis.
Respiratory alkalosis.
Metabolic acidosis.
Metabolic alkalosis.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a pH less than 7.35 and a PaCO2 greater than 454. In this case, the pH is 7.43, which is within the normal range, and the PaCO2 is 46, which is slightly above the normal range. Therefore, this does not indicate respiratory acidosis.
Choice B rationale
Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a pH greater than 7.45 and a PaCO2 less than 354. In this case, the pH is 7.43, which is within the normal range, and the PaCO2 is 46, which is slightly above the normal range. Therefore, this does not indicate respiratory alkalosis.
Choice C rationale
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a pH less than 7.35 and a HCO3 less than 224. In this case, the pH is 7.43, which is within the normal range, and the HCO3 is 35, which is above the normal range. Therefore, this does not indicate metabolic acidosis.
Choice D rationale
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a pH greater than 7.45 and a HCO3 greater than 264. In this case, the pH is 7.43, which is within the normal range, and the HCO3 is 35, which is above the normal range. Therefore, this indicates metabolic alkalosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale
Cheyne-Stokes respirations, a pattern of breathing characterized by a gradual increase in depth and sometimes in rate to a maximum depth, followed by a decrease resulting in apnea, are commonly observed in patients nearing the end of life.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Fatigue is a subjective symptom because it is experienced and reported by the patient. Patients with left-sided heart failure often experience fatigue due to the heart’s inability to pump sufficient blood to meet the body’s needs.
Choice B rationale
Elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure is an objective symptom that can be measured and observed by healthcare professionals. It is not something that a patient can directly experience or report.
Choice C rationale
Orthopnea, or difficulty breathing when lying flat, is a subjective symptom as it is based on the patient’s personal experience. However, it is not the best answer in this case because the question asks for the “subjective symptoms,” and fatigue is a more common subjective symptom of left-sided heart failure.
Choice D rationale
Cyanosis, or bluish discoloration of the skin due to poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation of the blood, is an objective symptom that can be observed by healthcare professionals. It is not something that a patient can directly experience or report.
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