Mrs. Jamerson, who had undergone surgery in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), is difficult to arouse two hours following surgery. Nurse Williams in the PACU has been administering Morphine Sulfate intravenously to the client for complaints of post-surgical pain. The client's respiratory rate is 7 per minute and demonstrates shallow breathing. The patient does not respond to any stimuli. The nurse assesses the ABCs (remember Airway, Breathing, Circulation!) and obtains ABGS STAT! Arterial blood gas measurement shows pH 7.10. PaCO2 70 mm Hg, and HCO3 24 mEq/L
What does this mean?
Metabolic Acidosis, Uncompensated
Respiratory Alkalosis. Partially Compensated
Respiratory Acidosis. Uncompensated
Metabolic Alkalosis. Partially Compensated
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and low bicarbonate levels (HCO3).
B. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and high bicarbonate levels (HCO3).
C. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and low PaCO2 levels.
D. The pH is below the normal range (7.35-7.45), indicating acidosis. The PaCO2 is elevated, indicating respiratory acidosis, as an increase in PaCO2 leads to an increase in carbonic acid and a decrease in pH.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Normal calcium levels are not indicative of hypoparathyroidism.
B. A manifestation of hypoparathyroidism would be a high phosphate level due to the low production of parathyroid hormone, which is responsible for regulating calcium and phosphate levels. It leads to reduced phosphate excretion.
C. Low magnesium levels are not indicative of hypoparathyroidism.
D. Normal vitamin D levels are not indicative of hypoparathyroidism.
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