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. Physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy, is a discipline focused on the preservation, enhancement, or restoration of movement and physical function. Physical therapists assess and treat individuals with musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and other conditions to improve mobility, strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination through therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, and functional training.
A. Respiratory therapy focuses on the assessment, treatment, and management of patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders. Respiratory therapists specialize in providing interventions such as oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and pulmonary rehabilitation to optimize respiratory function and improve breathing.
C. Speech therapy and language pathology, also known as speech-language pathology (SLP), is a discipline that focuses on the assessment and treatment of communication disorders, swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), and cognitive-communication impairments. Speech-language pathologists assess and treat individuals with speech sound disorders, language delays, voice disorders, fluency disorders (stuttering), and communication difficulties associated with neurological conditions or injuries.
D. Occupational therapy is a discipline focused on promoting health and well-being through meaningful engagement in daily activities (occupations). Occupational therapists assess and treat individuals of all ages who are experiencing physical, cognitive, psychosocial, or sensory impairments that affect their ability to participate in activities of daily living (ADLs), work, leisure, education, and social participation. Occupational therapy interventions aim to enhance independence, functional performance, and quality of life.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. This statement aligns with the concept of allostatic load, which refers to the cumulative physiological toll that chronic stress places on the body over time. Initially, the body's stress response system (the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system) is designed to help individuals cope with acute stressors. However, when stress becomes chronic, these physiological responses can become dysregulated and maladaptive, leading to negative health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease, immune dysfunction, and mental health disorders.
A. Chronic stress has been associated with various changes in gene expression and epigenetic modifications. However, these changes typically occur over longer periods and are not the primary mechanism by which chronic stress leads to illness in most cases.
C. Chronic stress can lead to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system, which are responsible for producing and regulating corticosteroids (such as cortisol) and catecholamines (such as adrenaline and noradrenaline). While acute stress typically results in increased production of these stress hormones, chronic stress can lead to desensitization and dysregulation of these systems, resulting in alterations in hormone levels and potential deficits in the availability of these stress mediators. However, deficits in corticosteroids and catecholamines are not the sole mechanism by which chronic stress leads to illness.
D. While chronic stress can certainly contribute to psychological fatigue and depletion of energy reserves, this is not the primary mechanism by which chronic stress leads to illness. The physiological responses to chronic stress, such as dysregulation of stress hormones, inflammation, and oxidative stress, are more directly linked to the development of various illnesses.
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