The nurse is reviewing arterial blood gas (ABG) results for a client with diabetic ketoacidosis. Which result is consistent with this diagnosis?
pH 7.48, PaCO2 31 mm Hg, HCO3 26 mEq/L
pH 7.42, PaCO2 39 mm Hg, HCO3 25 mEq/L
pH 7.34, PaCO2 40 mm Hg, HCO3 21 mEq/L
pH 7.17, PaCO2 69 mm Hg, HCO3 25 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: A pH of 7.48 is above the normal range (7.35–7.45), indicating a state of alkalosis, not acidosis. A PaCO2 of 31 mm Hg is below the normal range (35–45 mm Hg), which could indicate respiratory alkalosis if it were the primary disorder. An HCO3 level of 26 mEq/L is within the normal range (22–26 mEq/L) and does not suggest metabolic acidosis. Therefore, this choice does not reflect the metabolic acidosis seen in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Choice B reason: A pH of 7.42 is within the normal range, and a PaCO2 of 39 mm Hg is also within the normal range, suggesting neither acidosis nor alkalosis. An HCO3 level of 25 mEq/L is within the normal range and does not indicate the metabolic acidosis characteristic of DKA. Thus, this choice does not match the expected ABG results for DKA.
Choice C reason: A pH of 7.34 is just below the normal range, indicating a slight acidosis1. A PaCO2 of 40 mm Hg is within the normal range, suggesting that the primary issue is not respiratory. An HCO3 level of 21 mEq/L is slightly below the normal range, which could suggest a mild metabolic acidosis. However, the changes are not as pronounced as typically seen in DKA, where more significant acidosis is expected.
Choice D reason: A pH of 7.17 is significantly below the normal range, indicating severe acidosis1. A PaCO2 of 69 mm Hg is well above the normal range, which would usually suggest respiratory acidosis. However, in the context of DKA, a compensatory respiratory alkalosis often occurs, and the elevated PaCO2 may indicate a mixed acid-base disorder. An HCO3 level of 25 mEq/L is within the normal range, but given the low pH, it suggests that the body has been compensating for an acid-base disturbance. This choice most closely aligns with the metabolic acidosis and the compensatory respiratory changes expected in DKA.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is d. Urine output 60 mL.
Choice A reason: A pulse oximetry reading of 96% is within normal limits and does not indicate an ineffective response to the medications.
Choice B reason: A heart rate of 77, regular, is also within normal limits and does not suggest an ineffective response.
Choice C reason: Trace bilateral ankle edema may persist even after effective treatment due to residual effects of heart failure.
Choice D reason: A urine output of 60 mL over 2 hours post-diuretic administration suggests an inadequate response, as furosemide is expected to produce a significant diuresis to reduce fluid overload in acute heart failure.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Petechiae are small red or purple spots caused by bleeding into the skin, typically associated with platelet disorders, and are not a direct indicator of SBP.
Choice B reason: Increased abdominal pain is a common symptom of SBP, as the condition causes inflammation and irritation of the peritoneum, which can lead to significant discomfort.
Choice C reason: Jaundice is a sign of liver dysfunction but is not specific to SBP. It results from high levels of bilirubin in the blood and can occur in various liver diseases.
Choice D reason: Blood in emesis (vomiting) may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be a complication of cirrhosis but is not specific to SBP.
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