Maria, an elementary student, was rushed to the hospital due to vomiting and a decreased level of consciousness. The patient displays slow and deep (Kussmaul breathing), and he is lethargic and irritable in response to stimulation. He appears to be dehydrated-his eyes are sunken and mucous membranes are dry-and he has a two-week history of polydipsia, polyuria, and weight loss. Measurement of arterial blood gas shows pH 7.0, Pa02 90 mm Hg. PaCO2 23 mm Hg, and HCO3 12 mmol/L; other results are Na+ 126 mmol/L. K+ 5 mmol/L, and Cl-95 mmol/L.
What is your assessment?
Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
Metabolic Acidosis, Partially, Compensated
Metabolic Alkalosis. Uncompensated
Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated
The Correct Answer is B
A. This option can be ruled out because the pH and PaCO2 levels indicate acidosis, but the compensation is not partial as the HCO3 is also low.
B. Maria's symptoms and the arterial blood gas values support this diagnosis. Metabolic acidosis is indicated by a low pH and a decreased bicarbonate (HCO3) level. The body attempts to compensate for this acidosis by hyperventilating, which is evidenced by her Kussmaul breathing, to decrease PaCO2. This compensation is partial because, despite the body's efforts, the pH is still significantly lower than normal.
C. This option can be ruled out because the pH is low (acidosis) rather than high (alkalosis), and the HCO3 is low rather than high.
D. Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated is ruled out because the pH is low (acidosis), but the PaCO2 is normal, indicating metabolic rather than respiratory involvement.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Consuming excessive animal protein can increase the risk of kidney stones due to the metabolism of protein leading to increased excretion of calcium and oxalate.
B. Restricting calcium intake is not recommended for preventing calcium oxalate kidney stones. Adequate calcium intake from dietary sources can actually help prevent kidney stone formation by binding to oxalate in the intestines and reducing its absorption.
C. High doses of vitamin C can increase oxalate levels in the urine, which can contribute to the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones.
D. Adequate fluid intake, typically recommended at least 3 liters (about 100 ounces) per day, helps dilute urine and reduce the concentration of stone-forming substances, thereby reducing the risk of kidney stone formation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Metabolic Acidosis, Uncompensated, is ruled out because the elevated PaCO2 and low pH indicate a respiratory problem rather than a metabolic one.
B. Respiratory Alkalosis. Partially Compensated is ruled out because the pH and PaCO2 levels are both abnormal and indicate acidosis rather than alkalosis.
C. The low pH (acidosis) along with the high PaCO2 indicate respiratory acidosis, and there is no evidence of compensation by the kidneys (normal HCO3).
D. Metabolic Alkalosis. Partially Compensated, is ruled out because the pH is low (acidosis) rather than high (alkalosis), and the PaCO2 is elevated, suggesting a respiratory problem rather than a metabolic one.
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