The nurse is caring for a client with respiratory insufficiency. The arterial blood gas (ABG) results indicate a pH of 7.50 and a PaCO2 of 30 mm Hg, and the nurse concludes that the client is experiencing respiratory alkalosis. Which additional laboratory value would the nurse expect to note in this client?
Sodium level of 145 mEq/L
Magnesium level of 1.3 mEq/L
Phosphorus level of 3.0 mg/dL
Potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is D
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Producing phosphate buffers is not the main function of the kidneys in response to acid-base disturbances. Phosphate buffers are mainly found in the intracellular fluid and the urine, where they help to maintain the pH by binding or releasing hydrogen ions.
Choice B reason: Adjusting PaCO2 levels is not the function of the kidneys, but rather the function of the lungs in response to acid-base disturbances. The lungs regulate the PaCO2 levels by increasing or decreasing the rate and depth of respiration, which affects the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled.
Choice C reason: Producing protein buffers is not the function of the kidneys, but rather the function of the cells and the plasma in response to acid-base disturbances. Protein buffers are the most abundant and versatile buffers in the body, as they can act as acids or bases by donating or accepting hydrogen ions.
Choice D reason: Excreting or reabsorbing hydrogen or bicarbonate is the main function of the kidneys in response to acid-base disturbances. The kidneys regulate the HCO3- levels by either reabsorbing it from the filtrate or generating it from carbon dioxide and water. The kidneys also regulate the hydrogen ion levels by either excreting it into the urine or exchanging it for sodium ions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Intracellular to the extracellular fluid shift is not the cause of low blood pressure in this case. This fluid shift occurs when the cells lose water due to osmosis, such as in dehydration or hypernatremia.
Choice B reason: Interstitial to intravascular fluid shift is not the cause of low blood pressure in this case. This fluid shift occurs when the fluid moves from the tissue spaces to the blood vessels, such as in hypovolemia or hypotonic fluid administration.
Choice C reason: Interstitial to the intracellular fluid shift is not the cause of low blood pressure in this case. This fluid shift occurs when the fluid moves from the tissue spaces to the cells, such as in overhydration or hyponatremia.
Choice D reason: Intravascular to the interstitial fluid shift is the cause of low blood pressure in this case. This fluid shift occurs when the fluid moves from the blood vessels to the tissue spaces, such as in edema, inflammation, or increased capillary permeability. This reduces the blood volume and lowers the blood pressure.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.