The registered nurse reviews the result of the arterial blood gas values with the licensed practical nurse and tells the LPN that the client has respiratory acidosis. The LPN would expect to note which of the following on the laboratory result report?
pH 7.50, PCO2 30 mmHg
pH 7.45, PCO2 52 mmHg
pH 7.25, PCO2 50 mmHg
pH 7.35, PCO2 40 mmHg
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because this represents respiratory alkalosis, not acidosis. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and a low PCO2.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because this represents a mixed disorder, not a pure respiratory acidosis. A mixed disorder occurs when both the pH and the PCO2 are abnormal, but in opposite directions.
Choice C reason: This is correct because this represents respiratory acidosis. Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a high PCO2.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because this represents normal values, not respiratory acidosis. Normal values for pH and PCO2 are 7.35 to 7.45 and 35 to 45 mmHg, respectively.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because 120 to 140 mEq/L is a low range for serum sodium, which indicates hyponatremia. Hyponatremia can cause confusion, lethargy, seizures, and coma.
Choice B reason: This is correct because 135 to 145 mEq/L is the normal range of serum sodium in adults. Sodium is essential for fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because 150 to 160 mEq/L is a high range for serum sodium, which indicates hypernatremia. Hypernatremia can cause thirst, dry mouth, agitation, and convulsions.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because 165 to 175 mEq/L is a very high range for serum sodium, which indicates severe hypernatremia. Severe hypernatremia can cause irreversible brain damage and death.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because normal saline is not indicated for this client. Normal saline is a isotonic solution that does not alter the acid-base balance. The client has respiratory alkalosis, which is caused by hyperventilation and results in a high pH and a low PaCO2.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because Allen's test is not relevant for this client. Allen's test is a test to assess the patency of the radial and ulnar arteries before performing an arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling or cannulation. The client already has ABG results, so there is no need to perform Allen's test.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because increasing breathing would worsen the client's condition. Increasing breathing would cause the client to exhale more carbon dioxide, which would lower the PaCO2 and raise the pH even more. This would increase the severity of respiratory alkalosis.
Choice D reason: This is correct because slowing down breathing would help the client to correct the respiratory alkalosis. Slowing down breathing would allow the client to retain more carbon dioxide, which would increase the PaCO2 and lower the pH. This would bring the acid-base balance closer to normal.
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