The following arterial blood gas results would demonstrate to the nurse that the client is experiencing which acid-base imbalance? pH 7.31 PaCO2 40, HCO3 18, pa02 92
Respiratory alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
The Correct Answer is D
D. In metabolic acidosis, the pH would be low (acidemic) and the HCO3 level would be below the normal range. In the provided ABG results, the pH is low (acidemic) and the HCO3 level is below the normal range, indicating metabolic acidosis.
A. In respiratory alkalosis, the pH would be elevated (alkalotic) and the PaCO2 would be below the normal range (hypocapnia). However, in the provided ABG results, the pH is low (acidemia) rather than high, ruling out respiratory alkalosis.
B. In respiratory acidosis, the pH would be low (acidemic) and the PaCO2 would be above the normal range (hypercapnia). However, in the provided ABG results, the PaCO2 is within the normal range, ruling out respiratory acidosis.
C. In metabolic alkalosis, the pH would be elevated (alkalotic) and the HCO3 level would be above the normal range. However, in the provided ABG results, the pH is low (acidemic) and the HCO3 level is below the normal range, ruling out metabolic alkalosis.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. In respiratory alkalosis, the pH is elevated (alkalotic), the PaCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) is decreased (hypocapnia), and the HCO3 (bicarbonate) level may be within normal limits or slightly decreased due to compensatory mechanisms. In this option, the pH is elevated (7.54), the PaCO2 is decreased (25), and the HCO3 level is within normal limits (24). These findings support respiratory alkalosis.
B. pH 7.50, PaCO2 40, HCO3 28: In this option, the pH is elevated (7.50), the PaCO2 is within normal limits (40), and the HCO3 level is elevated (28). These findings are not consistent with respiratory alkalosis. Instead, they suggest metabolic alkalosis, where both the pH and bicarbonate levels are elevated.
C. pH 7.35, PaCO2 35, HCO3 22: In this option, the pH is within normal limits (7.35), the PaCO2 is within normal limits (35), and the HCO3 level is within normal limits (22). These findings are not consistent with respiratory alkalosis.
D. pH 7.32. PaCO2 48, HCO3 24: In respiratory alkalosis, the pH is elevated (alkalotic), the PaCO2 is decreased (hypocapnia), and the HCO3 level may be within normal limits or slightly decreased due to compensatory mechanisms. In this option, the pH is within normal limits (7.32), the PaCO2 is elevated (48), and the HCO3 level is within normal limits (24). These findings are not consistent with respiratory alkalosis.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This statement suggests that the client may have sleep-disordered breathing, such as obstructive sleep apnea, which can disrupt the client's sleep patterns and affect their overall sleep quality. The nurse may want to inquire further about the frequency and severity of the snoring, as well as any associated symptoms such as daytime fatigue or observed pauses in breathing during sleep.
B. This statement indicates that emotional stressors, such as arguments or conflicts, may impact the client's sleep patterns. The nurse may want to explore how often these conflicts occur and how they affect the client's ability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Additionally, the nurse may inquire about coping strategies or interventions that the client and their partner use to address conflicts and minimize their impact on sleep.
C. This statement suggests that the client experiences deep or heavy sleep, which may or may not be problematic depending on the context. While deep sleep can be indicative of good sleep quality, it may also raise concerns about the client's ability to awaken in the event of an emergency or the presence of a sleep disorder such as hypersomnia. The nurse may want to inquire further about the client's overall sleep duration, sleep latency, and any difficulties with waking up in the morning.
D. This statement suggests that the client may experience sleep talking, which is a common sleep phenomenon. While sleep talking itself is typically benign, it may indicate underlying sleep disturbances such as sleep fragmentation or abnormal sleep cycles. The nurse may want to ask additional questions to assess the frequency and content of the sleep talking, as well as any potential impacts on the client's sleep quality or daytime functioning.
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