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. Muscle hypertrophy is not a typical manifestation of hypercortisolism; rather, muscle weakness and wasting may occur.
B. Moon face, or rounded facial appearance with prominent cheeks, is a characteristic manifestation of hypercortisolism (Cushing's syndrome).
C. A butterfly rash on the face is not specific to hypercortisolism; it may suggest other conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus.
D. Chvostek's sign is associated with hypocalcemia, not hypercortisolism.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Metabolic acidosis would involve a low pH and low bicarbonate level, which is not evident in the given arterial blood gas results.
B. The low pH (acidosis) and high PaCO2 (respiratory component) indicate respiratory acidosis. The increased HCO3 (normal range of 22-26 mEq/L), suggests a renal compensatory mechanism attempting to normalize the pH.
C. George Kent's arterial blood gas values indicate a lower pH and an elevated PaCO2, which are consistent with respiratory acidosis. The increased HCO3 ((normal range of 22-26 mEq/L), suggests a renal compensatory mechanism attempting to normalize the pH.
D. Metabolic alkalosis is not supported by the given arterial blood gas results.
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