PaCO2 level indicates the effectiveness of:
Kidney function
Bicarbonate buffers
Phosphate buffers
Lung ventilation
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Kidney function is not indicated by the PaCO2 level, but rather by the creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. The kidneys are responsible for regulating the HCO3- level, which is the other component of the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system.
Choice B reason: Bicarbonate buffers are not indicated by the PaCO2 level, but rather by the HCO3- level. Bicarbonate buffers are substances that can accept or donate hydrogen ions to maintain the pH of the blood. They are part of the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system, which is the main buffer system in the body.
Choice C reason: Phosphate buffers are not indicated by the PaCO2 level, but rather by the PO4^3^- level. Phosphate buffers are substances that can accept or donate hydrogen ions to maintain the pH of the intracellular fluid and the urine. They are part of the phosphoric acid-phosphate buffer system, which is the second most important buffer system in the body.
Choice D reason: Lung ventilation is indicated by the PaCO2 level, which is the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood. Lung ventilation is the process of moving air in and out of the lungs, which affects the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled. The lungs are responsible for regulating the PaCO2 level, which is the other component of the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because low HCO3- and high PaCO2 are signs of metabolic acidosis, not alkalosis. Metabolic acidosis is a condition where the blood pH is lower than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, due to an excess of acids or a loss of bases in the body.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because low PaCO2 and low HCO3- are signs of respiratory acidosis, not alkalosis. Respiratory acidosis is a condition where the blood pH is lower than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, due to impaired gas exchange or hypoventilation, which causes carbon dioxide to accumulate in the blood.
Choice C reason: This is correct because low PaCO2 and high HCO3- are signs of alkalosis. Alkalosis is a condition where the blood pH is higher than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, due to a loss of acids or an excess of bases in the body. There are two types of alkalosis: respiratory and metabolic. Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, which lowers the PaCO2 in the blood. Metabolic alkalosis is caused by vomiting, diuretics, or excessive intake of antacids, which raises the HCO3- in the blood.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because high PaCO2 and high HCO3- are signs of compensation, not alkalosis. Compensation is a process where the body tries to restore the normal pH by adjusting the levels of PaCO2 and HCO3- in the opposite direction of the primary disorder. For example, if the patient has metabolic alkalosis, the respiratory system will try to compensate by retaining carbon dioxide and lowering the PaCO2. If the patient has respiratory alkalosis, the renal system will try to compensate by excreting bicarbonate and lowering the HCO3-.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because sodium level of 145 mEq/L is within the normal range of 135 to 145 mEq/L. Sodium is not directly affected by respiratory alkalosis, but it may be altered by fluid balance or other conditions.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because magnesium level of 1.3 mEq/L is within the normal range of 1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L. Magnesium is not directly affected by respiratory alkalosis, but it may be altered by renal function or other conditions.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because phosphorus level of 3.0 mg/dL is within the normal range of 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL. Phosphorus is not directly affected by respiratory alkalosis, but it may be altered by calcium balance or other conditions.
Choice D reason: This is correct because potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is below the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Potassium is inversely related to hydrogen ions, which are decreased in respiratory alkalosis. As hydrogen ions move out of the cells to buffer the blood, potassium ions move into the cells to maintain electrical neutrality. This causes hypokalemia, or low potassium level.
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