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?
Metabolic alkalosis, uncompensated
Respiratory alkalosis, uncompensated
Respiratory acidosis, uncompensated
Metabolic acidosis, uncompensated
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and a high HCO3-. The patient's pH and HCO3- are both low, indicating acidosis, not alkalosis.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and a low PaCO2. The patient's pH is low and PaCO2 is normal, indicating a metabolic problem, not a respiratory one.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a high PaCO2. The patient's pH is low, but PaCO2 is normal, indicating a metabolic problem, not a respiratory one.
Choice D reason: This is correct because metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a low HCO3-. The patient's pH and HCO3- are both low, indicating a metabolic disorder. The condition is uncompensated because the PaCO2 is normal, meaning the respiratory system is not compensating for the metabolic acidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because sodium level of 145 mEq/L is within the normal range of 135 to 145 mEq/L. Sodium is not directly affected by respiratory alkalosis, but it may be altered by fluid balance or other conditions.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because magnesium level of 1.3 mEq/L is within the normal range of 1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L. Magnesium is not directly affected by respiratory alkalosis, but it may be altered by renal function or other conditions.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because phosphorus level of 3.0 mg/dL is within the normal range of 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL. Phosphorus is not directly affected by respiratory alkalosis, but it may be altered by calcium balance or other conditions.
Choice D reason: This is correct because potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is below the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Potassium is inversely related to hydrogen ions, which are decreased in respiratory alkalosis. As hydrogen ions move out of the cells to buffer the blood, potassium ions move into the cells to maintain electrical neutrality. This causes hypokalemia, or low potassium level.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because filtration is a passive transport mechanism that does not require cellular energy. Filtration is the movement of fluid and solutes across a membrane due to hydrostatic pressure.
Choice B reason: This is correct because active transport is a transport mechanism that requires cellular energy in the form of ATP. Active transport is the movement of molecules across a membrane against their concentration gradient, using carrier proteins.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because diffusion is a passive transport mechanism that does not require cellular energy. Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, until equilibrium is reached.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because osmosis is a passive transport mechanism that does not require cellular energy. Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.
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