The arterial blood gas (ABG) results for a patient who overdosed on barbiturates are pH = 7.32, PaCO2 = 52, and HCO3 = 23. Which interpretation would the nurse rely on when planning the patient's care?
Metabolic acidosis.
Metabolic alkalosis.
Respiratory acidosis.
Respiratory alkalosis.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is c. Respiratory acidosis.
Choice A reason: Metabolic acidosis is incorrect because the HCO3 level is normal. In metabolic acidosis, we would expect to see a decreased HCO3.
Choice B reason: Metabolic alkalosis is incorrect because the HCO3 level is normal. In metabolic alkalosis, we would expect to see an increased HCO3.
Choice C reason: The given ABG results indicate a low pH (acidosis), an elevated PaCO2 (respiratory component), and a normal HCO3 (metabolic component). The low pH and increased PaCO2 suggest respiratory acidosis.
Choice D reason: Respiratory alkalosis is incorrect because the PaCO2 level is elevated, not decreased. In respiratory alkalosis, we would expect to see a decreased PaCO2.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Neutropenia is a condition characterized by a low number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. Neutropenic patients are at increased risk of infections, but neutropenia does not cause specific changes in the tongue surface. The smooth and shiny tongue surface described in the question is not indicative of neutropenia.
Choice B rationale:
Polycythemia is a condition characterized by an abnormally high concentration of hemoglobin in the blood. It can cause the skin to appear reddish or flushed, but it does not directly cause changes in the tongue surface such as smoothness and shininess.
Choice C rationale:
Pernicious anemia is a type of anemia caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12, which is essential for the formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of the nervous system. One of the characteristic signs of pernicious anemia is glossitis, which is inflammation of the tongue that can make the tongue appear smooth and shiny. This finding aligns with the description provided in the question.
Choice D rationale:
Elevated estrogen levels can cause changes in the skin, such as increased pigmentation or the development of spider veins, but they do not directly cause changes in the tongue surface as described in the question.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Buffers do not excrete weak acids; instead, they help regulate the pH of bodily fluids by preventing drastic changes in acidity or alkalinity.
Choice B rationale:
Buffers do not secrete hydrogen ions. In fact, buffers can either absorb or release hydrogen ions to maintain a stable pH.
Choice C rationale:
To convert strong acids to weak acids is the correct answer. Buffers are substances that can neutralize both acids and bases, helping to maintain a stable pH in a solution. They achieve this by accepting hydrogen ions from strong acids or donating hydrogen ions to strong bases, converting them into weaker acids or bases, respectively.
Choice D rationale:
Buffers do not convert ammonia to ammonium ions. This conversion is a part of the body's acid-base regulation system, but it is not the primary function of buffers.
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