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 A
Explanation
Choice A reason: For an average adult, the total intake should be approximately equal to the total output every day¹². Therefore, if the patient's total output is 2200 mL, the total intake should also be around 2200 mL.
Choice B reason: 3000 mL is more than the recommended daily fluid intake for an average adult, which is about 2500 mL³. If the patient's intake is higher than their output, they may develop fluid overload or edema.
Choice C reason: 3800 mL is much more than the recommended daily fluid intake for an average adult, which is about 2500 mL³. If the patient's intake is higher than their output, they may develop fluid overload or edema.
Choice D reason: 2400 mL is slightly less than the recommended daily fluid intake for an average adult, which is about 2500 mL³. However, if the patient's intake is lower than their output, they may develop dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.
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.
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