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 B
Explanation
A. Intention tremors are not typically associated with Addison's disease.
B. Hyperpigmentation, particularly in sun-exposed areas and pressure points, is a characteristic finding in Addison's disease due to increased melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) production.
C. Purple striations are typically associated with Cushing's syndrome, not Addison's disease.
D. Hirsutism (excessive hair growth) is not a common manifestation of Addison's disease. It is more associated with Cushing’s disease.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Aluminum hydroxide can lead to increased serum magnesium levels, but this is not the reason for its preference in chronic kidney disease.
B. Aluminum hydroxide is preferred because it binds to dietary phosphate, reducing serum phosphorus levels in patients with chronic kidney disease who are prone to hyperphosphatemia.
C. Aluminum hydroxide does not significantly affect serum potassium levels.
D. Aluminum hydroxide can lead to decreased serum calcium levels due to binding, but this is not the primary reason for its preference in chronic kidney disease.
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