The nurse obtains the following arterial blood gas results on a client: pH 7.2, PaO2 88 mmHg, PaCO2 40 mmHg, HCO3 19 mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance is the client experiencing?

Respiratory alkalosis

Metabolic alkalosis

Respiratory acidosis

Metabolic acidosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: Respiratory alkalosis is not the correct answer. Respiratory alkalosis is a condition where the blood pH is high (above 7.45) due to low carbon dioxide levels (below 35 mmHg) caused by hyperventilation. The client's blood pH is low (7.2) and the carbon dioxide level is normal (40 mmHg), which does not indicate respiratory alkalosis.

Choice B reason: Metabolic alkalosis is not the correct answer. Metabolic alkalosis is a condition where the blood pH is high (above 7.45) due to high bicarbonate levels (above 26 mEq/L) caused by excessive loss of acids or intake of alkali. The client's blood pH is low (7.2) and the bicarbonate level is low (19 mEq/L), which does not indicate metabolic alkalosis.

Choice C reason: Respiratory acidosis is not the correct answer. Respiratory acidosis is a condition where the blood pH is low (below 7.35) due to high carbon dioxide levels (above 45 mmHg) caused by hypoventilation. The client's blood pH is low (7.2) but the carbon dioxide level is normal (40 mmHg), which does not indicate respiratory acidosis.

Choice D reason: This is the correct answer. Metabolic acidosis is a condition where the blood pH is low (below 7.35) due to low bicarbonate levels (below 22 mEq/L) caused by excessive production or intake of acids or loss of alkali. The client's blood pH is low (7.2) and the bicarbonate level is low (19 mEq/L), which indicates metabolic acidosis.

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 A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Exertional dyspnea is a common symptom of unstable angina, which is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Carvedilol is a beta-blocker that reduces the workload of the heart and improves its oxygen supply. Therefore, resolving exertional dyspnea indicates that the medication has been effective.

Choice B reason: A heart rate of 50 beats/minute is not a desired outcome of carvedilol therapy. It may indicate that the dose is too high or that the client has a conduction problem. A normal resting heart rate for adults is between 60 and 100 beats/minute.

Choice C reason: A regular heart rhythm is not a specific indicator of carvedilol effectiveness. Carvedilol can prevent or treat some arrhythmias, but it is not the primary goal of therapy for unstable angina. A regular heart rhythm may also be influenced by other factors such as electrolytes, hydration, and stress.

Choice D reason: A blood pressure of 120/90 is not a sign of carvedilol effectiveness. Carvedilol can lower blood pressure, but it is not the main purpose of treatment for unstable angina. A blood pressure of 120/90 is considered prehypertension, which may increase the risk of cardiovascular complications.

A. You feel good because your medication is working properly. B. Your blood pressure reflects how strong your heart muscle contracts. C. Even if you are feeling good, damage can occur to your heart and kidneys. D. Have you told your doctor that you are feeling good?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: You feel good because your medication is working properly is not the most appropriate statement by the nurse. This statement may imply that the client does not need to worry about their blood pressure or follow up with their doctor. The nurse should educate the client about the importance of regular monitoring and adherence to the prescribed treatment.

Choice B reason: Your blood pressure reflects how strong your heart muscle contracts is not the most appropriate statement by the nurse. This statement may confuse the client or give them a false sense of security. The nurse should explain that blood pressure is determined by the force and amount of blood pumped by the heart and the resistance of the blood vessels. The nurse should also inform the client about the normal and abnormal ranges of blood pressure and the risk factors for hypertension.

Choice C reason: Even if you are feeling good, damage can occur to your heart and kidneys is the most appropriate statement by the nurse. This statement conveys the seriousness of hypertension and its potential complications. The nurse should educate the client about the effects of high blood pressure on the vital organs and the need for preventive measures and lifestyle modifications.

Choice D reason: Have you told your doctor that you are feeling good is not the most appropriate statement by the nurse. This statement may suggest that the nurse is not interested in the client's condition or does not have the knowledge or authority to address their concerns. The nurse should communicate effectively with the client and the health care team and provide appropriate guidance and support.

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 obtains the following arterial blood gas results on a client: pH 7.2, PaO2 88 mmHg, PaCO2 40 mmHg, HCO3 19 mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance is the client experiencing?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is evaluating the effects of the prescribed carvedilol 6.25 mg PO daily for a client with a history of unstable angina. Which of the following reflects that the medication has been effective?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The client diagnosed with primary hypertension says, "I don't know why the doctor is worried about my blood pressure. I am feeling just fine." Which statement by the nurse would be the most appropriate?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with coronary artery disease complains of chest pain while brushing their teeth in the bathroom. Which action should the nurse implement first?

The nurse is about to administer the combination medication chlorthalidone and atenolol to a client diagnosed with chronic hypertension. Which interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care? (Select all that apply)

The nurse auscultates a heart murmur on a client with cardiovascular disease. At which anatomic landmark will an aortic murmur be heard the loudest?

The client with coronary artery disease asks the nurse, "Why do I get this chest pain?" Which would be the most appropriate response?

The nurse who is providing instructions to a client with hypertension will stress that it is most important to:

A client who has had long standing hypertension has been prescribed a clonidine patch. Which discharge instruction should the nurse provide?

The client says to the nurse, "I get a headache every time I put on my Nitropatch." Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?

The nurse recognizes that the rationale for the medical prescription of aspirin 81 mg PO daily and clopidogrel 75 mg PO daily for the client with coronary artery disease is that these medications: