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 C
Explanation
Choice A reason: One slice of wheat bread is not the best source of potassium, as it contains only about 70 mg of potassium per serving. The recommended daily intake of potassium for adults is 4,700 mg.
Choice B reason: One wedge of cantaloupe is a good source of potassium, as it contains about 430 mg of potassium per serving. However, it is not the best source of potassium among the choices given.
Choice C reason: One banana is the best source of potassium among the choices given, as it contains about 420 mg of potassium per serving. Bananas are also rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Choice D reason: One slice of cheddar cheese is not the best source of potassium, as it contains only about 28 mg of potassium per serving. Cheese is also high in sodium, fat, and calories, which can have negative effects on blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
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.
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