A nurse is caring for a client who has the following arterial blood gas results: HCO3 18 mEq/L, PaCO2 28 mm Hg, and pH 7.30. The nurse recognizes the client is experiencing which of the following acid-base imbalances?
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis
Metabolic acidosis
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an elevated pH (greater than 7.45) and an increased bicarbonate (HCO3) level. In this case, the pH is 7.30, indicating acidosis, and the HCO3 level is 18 mEq/L, which is below the normal range (22-26 mEq/L). Therefore, metabolic alkalosis is not the correct diagnosis.
Choice B Reason:
Respiratory alkalosis is indicated by a high pH (greater than 7.45) and a low PaCO2 (less than 35 mm Hg). Although the PaCO2 is low at 28 mm Hg, the pH is 7.30, indicating acidosis rather than alkalosis. Therefore, respiratory alkalosis is not the correct diagnosis.
Choice C Reason:
Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (less than 7.35) and an elevated PaCO2 (greater than 45 mm Hg). In this case, the pH is low, indicating acidosis, but the PaCO2 is also low at 28 mm Hg, which does not fit the criteria for respiratory acidosis. Therefore, respiratory acidosis is not the correct diagnosis.
Choice D Reason:
Metabolic acidosis is indicated by a low pH (less than 7.35) and a low bicarbonate (HCO3) level (less than 22 mEq/L). In this case, the pH is 7.30, indicating acidosis, and the HCO3 level is 18 mEq/L, which is below the normal range. The low PaCO2 of 28 mm Hg suggests a compensatory respiratory response to the metabolic acidosis. Therefore, metabolic acidosis is the correct diagnosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Provide continued sedation.
Providing continued sedation is not typically necessary after a cardioversion. The sedation used during the procedure is usually short-acting, and the client should begin to wake up shortly after the procedure is completed. Continuous sedation is not required unless there are specific medical reasons, which should be determined by the healthcare provider.
Choice B Reason:
Remove crash cart from the room.
The crash cart should remain in the room until the client is fully stable. Removing it immediately after the procedure is not advisable because the client may still be at risk for complications such as arrhythmias or other cardiac events. Keeping the crash cart nearby ensures that emergency equipment is readily available if needed.
Choice C Reason:
Assess the chest for burns.
Assessing the chest for burns is an important nursing action following a cardioversion. The electrical shock delivered during the procedure can cause burns on the skin where the electrodes were placed. It is essential to check for any signs of burns or skin irritation and provide appropriate care if needed.
Choice D Reason:
Ensure electrodes are in place for continued monitoring.
Ensuring that the electrodes are in place for continued monitoring is crucial. Continuous cardiac monitoring is necessary to observe the client’s heart rhythm and detect any potential complications or recurrence of arrhythmias. Proper placement and function of the electrodes are essential for accurate monitoring.
Choice E Reason:
Document results of the procedure.
Documenting the results of the procedure is a critical nursing action. Accurate documentation includes noting the client’s response to the cardioversion, any complications, and the current heart rhythm. This information is vital for ongoing care and communication with the healthcare team.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Hypotension (low blood pressure), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), and lethargy are critical symptoms that can indicate a life-threatening condition such as shock or severe dehydration. Hypotension can lead to inadequate perfusion of vital organs, resulting in multi-organ failure if not promptly addressed1. Tachycardia is often a compensatory mechanism for hypotension, and lethargy indicates decreased cerebral perfusion. Immediate intervention is required to stabilize the patient’s condition and prevent further deterioration.
Choice B reason:
Dizziness with a headache rated 7/10 on the numeric scale is concerning but not immediately life-threatening. These symptoms could indicate a variety of conditions, such as migraine, vertigo, or even a mild concussion. While the patient should be assessed and treated, they do not present the same immediate risk as hypotension and tachycardia.
Choice C reason:
Abdominal pain, hypertension (high blood pressure), and constipation are symptoms that need medical attention but are not immediately life-threatening. Hypertension can lead to serious complications if left untreated, but it does not require the same urgent intervention as hypotension. Abdominal pain and constipation, while uncomfortable and potentially indicative of underlying issues, do not pose an immediate threat to life.
Choice D reason:
Febrile (fever), tachycardia, and vomiting are symptoms that suggest an infection or other acute illness. While these symptoms are concerning and need prompt evaluation, they do not pose the same immediate risk as hypotension and tachycardia. Fever and vomiting can lead to dehydration, but this typically develops over a longer period compared to the rapid deterioration seen with hypotension.
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