The nurse reviews the blood gas results of a client with atelectasis. The nurse analyzes the results and determines that the client is experiencing respiratory acidosis. Which results validate the nurse's findings?
pH 7.28, pCO2 36, HCO3 23
pH 7.52, pCO2 28, HCO3 25
pH 7.25, pCO2 50, HCO3 22
pH7.35, pCO2 40, HCO3 24
The Correct Answer is C
A. pH 7.28, pCO2 36, HCO3 23:
Explanation: The pH is low, indicating acidosis. However, the pCO2 is within the normal range, which is not consistent with respiratory acidosis. The HCO3 is slightly low but not significantly, and this doesn't align with typical findings in respiratory acidosis.
B. pH 7.52, pCO2 28, HCO3 25:
Explanation: The pH is high, indicating alkalosis. The pCO2 is below the normal range, which is not consistent with respiratory acidosis. The HCO3 is within the normal range, and these values are not typical for respiratory acidosis.
C. pH 7.25, pCO2 50, HCO3 22:
Explanation: The pH is low, indicating acidosis. The pCO2 is elevated, which is typical in respiratory acidosis. The HCO3 is within the normal range, suggesting uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
D. pH 7.35, pCO2 40, HCO3 24:
Explanation: The pH is within the normal range, and both pCO2 and HCO3 are normal. These values do not indicate acidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Metabolic Alkalosis:
pH: Elevated (alkalotic).
PaCO2: Normal or slightly decreased (compensation may or may not be present).
HCO3: Elevated.
Explanation: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an excess of bicarbonate (HCO3) in the blood, leading to an elevated pH. In this case, the elevated pH and HCO3 levels suggest that the primary imbalance is metabolic alkalosis.
B. Respiratory Alkalosis:
pH: Elevated (alkalotic).
PaCO2: Decreased (due to hyperventilation, which blows off CO2).
HCO3: Normal or slightly decreased (compensation).
Explanation: Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by low levels of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) due to hyperventilation. However, in the provided ABG, the PaCO2 is not significantly decreased, suggesting that respiratory alkalosis is not the primary issue.
C. Respiratory Acidosis:
pH: Decreased (acidotic).
PaCO2: Increased (due to inadequate ventilation).
HCO3: Normal or slightly elevated (compensation).
Explanation: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by an increase in carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels. In this case, the PaCO2 is within the normal range, indicating that respiratory acidosis is not the primary problem.
D. Metabolic Acidosis:
pH: Decreased (acidotic).
PaCO2: Normal or slightly decreased (compensation).
HCO3: Decreased.
Explanation: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in bicarbonate (HCO3) levels. In this ABG, the HCO3 is elevated, ruling out metabolic acidosis as the primary issue.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The need to monitor urine for the presence of albumin:
Explanation: Monitoring urine for albumin is more associated with microvascular complications, particularly diabetic nephropathy. When the kidneys are affected, albumin may leak into the urine. This is not a macrovascular complication.
B. The relationship between kidney function and blood glucose levels:
Explanation: The relationship between kidney function and blood glucose levels is important, but it is more directly related to microvascular complications, particularly diabetic nephropathy. High blood glucose levels over time can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys.
C. The need for frequent eye examinations for clients with diabetes:
Explanation: This is related to microvascular complications, specifically diabetic retinopathy. Changes in the small blood vessels of the retina can lead to vision problems. While important, it's not directly addressing macrovascular complications.
D. The fact that clients with diabetes have an elevated risk of myocardial infarction:
Explanation: This is the correct answer. Macrovascular complications involve large blood vessels and are associated with conditions such as coronary artery disease, which increases the risk of myocardial infarction in individuals with diabetes.
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