The nurse is reading the arterial blood gas results of a patient admitted for sepsis. Which of the following would the nurse expect for a patient in metabolic acidosis?

pH 7.25. CO2 40. HCO3-16

pH 7.5, CO2 35, HCO3-30

pH 7.5, CO2 30 HCO3- 22

pH 7.25, CO2 55. HCO3. 25

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A) pH 7.25, CO2 40, HCO3- 16:
In metabolic acidosis, the pH is decreased indicating acidemia. The bicarbonate level is low which is a hallmark of metabolic acidosis. The CO2 level of 40 is within the normal range suggesting that the body is not compensating for the acidosis through respiratory compensation yet. In metabolic acidosis, the body will often try to compensate by increasing respiratory rate to blow off CO2, but this takes time.

B) pH 7.5, CO2 35, HCO3- 30:
In metabolic alkalosis, the pH is increased above 7.45, and the bicarbonate level (HCO3-) is elevated both of which are seen here. The CO2 level of 35 is within normal limits, and while respiratory compensation could increase CO2 in response to metabolic alkalosis,

C) pH 7.5, CO2 30, HCO3- 22:
The pH is increased above 7.45, and the bicarbonate level is within the normal range. The CO2 level of 30 is low, which is typical in respiratory alkalosis, where the body compensates for the increased pH by blowing off CO2.

D) pH 7.25, CO2 55, HCO3- 25:
The pH is low, but the bicarbonate level is normal. The CO2 level is elevated, which is indicative of hypoventilation or inadequate respiratory compensation, commonly seen in respiratory acidosis, where the lungs cannot excrete CO2 effectively

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Having 2 RNs ensure the blood product is properly labeled and matches the client’s identification:
Two registered nurses must independently verify that the blood product matches the patient's identification and that it is properly labeled. This is a critical safety measure to prevent errors, such as mismatched blood transfusions, which can lead to severe complications like hemolytic reactions. Proper verification before administration is a standard safety protocol in blood transfusion procedures.

B) Ensuring that the client signed a consent form for receiving blood transfusions beforehand:
Obtaining informed consent is a vital legal and ethical step before administering a blood transfusion. The nurse must ensure that the patient understands the potential risks and benefits of the procedure and has signed a consent form prior to transfusion. Without consent, the transfusion cannot legally be performed. This is a key part of patient rights and nursing responsibilities.

C) Preparing a primary and secondary IV tubing:
For blood transfusions, only blood administration tubing should be used, which typically includes a filter to prevent the infusion of any debris or clots. Using regular IV tubing (primary and secondary) for blood administration is not recommended, as it may not have the necessary filter and could potentially introduce contaminants. Blood should always be administered with tubing specifically designed for that purpose.

D) Obtaining a bag of 0.9% sodium chloride:
Normal saline is typically used as the solution to flush the IV line before and after the transfusion. It is compatible with blood products and helps to prevent clotting or reactions in the line. This is an essential step to ensure safe and effective blood administration.

A. RBCs 4.3mEq/L B. Potassium 4.8 mEq/L C. Hemoglobin of 9g/dl D. Sodium 137 mEq/L

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) RBCs 4.3 million/µL:
While a low RBC count can indicate anemia, the specific value provided here is not suggestive of anemia, and it does not explain the patient's symptoms of fatigue, weakness, and dizziness as clearly as a low hemoglobin would.

B) Potassium 4.8 mEq/L:
This result is not concerning and does not directly relate to the patient's reported symptoms of pallor, fatigue, and dizziness. Therefore, this lab result does not take priority in planning care at this time.

C) Hemoglobin of 9 g/dl:
This result is consistent with anemia, which is a likely cause of the patient’s symptoms of fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and pallor. Anemia can lead to decreased oxygen delivery to tissues, explaining the symptoms the patient is experiencing. The priority action for the nurse should be to address the underlying cause of anemia and manage it to improve the patient’s oxygenation and overall condition.

D) Sodium 137 mEq/L:
Although sodium imbalances can cause neurological symptoms such as confusion or lethargy, the patient’s reported symptoms of pallor, fatigue, and dizziness are more likely related to anemia. Sodium is not the most urgent concern for this patient at the moment.

View Question and Answer

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

The nurse is reading the arterial blood gas results of a patient admitted for sepsis. Which of the following would the nurse expect for a patient in metabolic acidosis?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which of the following would not be an appropriate nursing intervention when preparing to administer a blood transfusion?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse cares for a client who is a pale and reports frequent fatigue, weakness and dizziness. Which serum laboratory test result is the nurse’s priority for planning care?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is renewing laboratory results for a client admitted for renal failure and notes the following: Sodium 144 mEq/L, Potassium 6.6 mEq/L. Which of the following should be the priority intervention?

The nurse is caring for a patient who was admitted for seizures. All of the following precautions should be taken to promote a safe environment except which?

The nurse is caring for a client with an exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease: Which of the following orders would be anticipated for this patient?

The nurse is caring who presented with unstable angina. Before giving the client, a dose of sublingual nitroglycerin, which action should the nurse take?

Which of the following should be included in patient teaching after hip replacement surgery?

The nurse is educating a student on moderate/conscious sedation. Which of the following is a correct statement about moderate sedation?

A nurse is preparing to give routine medications to a client with a history of hypertension. The nurse recognizes the need to assess the clients blood pressure before and after administering which of the following medications?

Which of the following interventions should the nurse include when caring for a client who is returning from surgery for an above-the-knee amputation?