Ms. Jackson has been suffering from persistent vomiting for two days now. She appears to be lethargic and weak and has myalgia. She is noted to have dry mucus membranes and her capillary refill takes >4 seconds. She is diagnosed as having gastroenteritis and dehydration. Measurement of arterial blood gas shows pH 7.5. PaO2 85 mm Hg, PaCO2 40 mm Hg, and HCO3 34 mmol/L What acid-base disorder is shown?
Metabolic Alkalosis. Partially Compensated
Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
Respiratory Alkalosis. Uncompensated
Metabolic Alkalosis. Uncompensated
The Correct Answer is D
A. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated, is incorrect because there is no evidence of respiratory compensation (normal PaCO2).
B. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated, is incorrect because the pH is high, not low as would be expected in acidosis, and the PaCO2 is normal, not high.
C. Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated, is incorrect because the primary problem is metabolic (high HCO3), not respiratory, and the PaCO2 is normal, not low as would be seen in respiratory alkalosis.
D. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by elevated pH and bicarbonate levels. In this scenario, the pH is elevated (7.5) and the bicarbonate (HCO3) level is high (34 mmol/L), indicating alkalosis. Vomiting leads to loss of gastric acid (hydrochloric acid), causing metabolic alkalosis. The respiratory system has not yet compensated fully for the alkalosis, as indicated by the normal PaCO2 (40 mm Hg).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Administering corticosteroids is crucial during an Addisonian crisis but typically involves intravenous corticosteroids (not oral) during the crisis to quickly restore hormone levels. Oral corticosteroids are part of regular maintenance therapy but not an immediate intervention in the crisis.
B. Weighing the client daily is important to monitor for potential fluid loss, dehydration, or weight changes related to Addison's disease and Addisonian crisis. Clients with Addison’s disease may experience fluid and electrolyte imbalances, so daily weight tracking helps detect early signs of fluid shifts, which are critical in crisis prevention and management.
C. A low-carbohydrate diet is not recommended for clients with Addison’s disease, as they may need a balanced diet with sufficient carbohydrates to prevent hypoglycemia.
D. Fluid intake should not be restricted; rather, maintaining adequate hydration is vital. Clients in Addisonian crisis are often at risk for dehydration due to fluid losses and low aldosterone levels, making fluid replacement essential.
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Bicarbonate excess is not a clinical manifestation but rather the underlying cause of metabolic alkalosis.
B. Metabolic alkalosis can lead to potassium depletion, which may cause muscle weakness.
C. Kussmaul's respirations, characterized by deep and labored breathing, are more commonly associated with metabolic acidosis, not alkalosis, as the body tries to compensate for acidemia by expelling more carbon dioxide through deep breaths.
D. Alkalosis can cause peripheral vasodilation and decreased calcium ionization, leading to circumoral and digital paresthesia.
E. Alkalosis can cause cerebral vasoconstriction and decreased cerebral perfusion, leading to dizziness.
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