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 B
Explanation
B. This client's excitement to learn about a new prosthesis indicates a positive attitude towards rehabilitation and a willingness to engage in the learning process. Their enthusiasm suggests a high level of motivation to adapt to their new prosthesis and incorporate it into their daily life. Therefore, this client exhibits a high motivation to learn.
A. This client's struggle with following nursing directives regarding discharge goals suggests a lack of motivation or difficulty engaging in the rehabilitation process. They may be experiencing challenges or barriers that are impeding their progress. Therefore, they do not exhibit the highest motivation to learn at this time.
C. While this client may have valuable experience and insights to share with newcomers, being a "coach" does not necessarily indicate a high motivation to learn for themselves. While they may be motivated to help others, it doesn't necessarily reflect their own eagerness to engage in learning activities for their own rehabilitation goals.
D. This client's eagerness to be discharged may suggest a desire to move on from the rehabilitation facility rather than a motivation to engage in learning activities related to their rehabilitation. They may be more focused on the end goal of leaving the facility rather than actively participating in the rehabilitation process.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Vomiting results in loss of hydrochloric acid (HCl) from the stomach, leading to a loss of chloride ions (Cl-) and hydrogen ions (H+) from the body. This loss of hydrogen ions can result in an accumulation of bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) relative to hydrogen ions, leading to metabolic alkalosis. Therefore, this client is at risk for developing metabolic alkalosis due to prolonged vomiting.
B. Client who has had diarrhea for the past 24 hours: Diarrhea leads to loss of bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) from the body along with fluid and electrolytes. However, metabolic alkalosis is less likely to occur with diarrhea alone because the loss of bicarbonate ions is usually balanced by the loss of chloride ions (Cl-) and hydrogen ions (H+). Therefore, while diarrhea can lead to metabolic acidosis in some cases, it is less likely to cause metabolic alkalosis.
C. Client who has overdosed on heroin: Heroin overdose is not directly associated with metabolic alkalosis. In the context of heroin overdose, respiratory depression leading to respiratory acidosis is a more immediate concern. Therefore, this client is not at risk for developing metabolic alkalosis due to heroin overdose.
D. Client who is admitted with an asthma exacerbation: Asthma exacerbation can lead to respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation and excessive elimination of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body. However, metabolic alkalosis is not a typical consequence of asthma exacerbation alone. Therefore, while this client may experience respiratory alkalosis, they are not at risk for developing metabolic alkalosis solely due to asthma exacerbation.
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