What does the nurse recognize as clinical manifestations consistent with ascites? Select all that apply.

Choice A Reason:

Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an elevated pH (greater than 7.45) and an increased bicarbonate (HCO3) level. In this case, the pH is 7.30, indicating acidosis, and the HCO3 level is 18 mEq/L, which is below the normal range (22-26 mEq/L). Therefore, metabolic alkalosis is not the correct diagnosis.

Choice B Reason:

Respiratory alkalosis is indicated by a high pH (greater than 7.45) and a low PaCO2 (less than 35 mm Hg). Although the PaCO2 is low at 28 mm Hg, the pH is 7.30, indicating acidosis rather than alkalosis. Therefore, respiratory alkalosis is not the correct diagnosis.

Choice C Reason:

Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (less than 7.35) and an elevated PaCO2 (greater than 45 mm Hg). In this case, the pH is low, indicating acidosis, but the PaCO2 is also low at 28 mm Hg, which does not fit the criteria for respiratory acidosis. Therefore, respiratory acidosis is not the correct diagnosis.

Choice D Reason:

Metabolic acidosis is indicated by a low pH (less than 7.35) and a low bicarbonate (HCO3) level (less than 22 mEq/L). In this case, the pH is 7.30, indicating acidosis, and the HCO3 level is 18 mEq/L, which is below the normal range. The low PaCO2 of 28 mm Hg suggests a compensatory respiratory response to the metabolic acidosis. Therefore, metabolic acidosis is the correct diagnosis.

Title: Choice A Reason:

Patients with seafood allergies may have a higher risk of allergic reactions to iodinated contrast media used in CT scans. However, this is not a definitive contraindication. The nurse should inform the patient to notify their healthcare provider about any known allergies, including seafood, as a precautionary measure. This allows the healthcare team to take necessary steps to prevent any adverse reactions, such as premedication with antihistamines or corticosteroids.

Title: Choice B Reason:

Metformin is a common medication used to manage type II diabetes. When a patient is scheduled for a CT scan with IV contrast, it is crucial to withhold Metformin before the procedure. This is because the combination of Metformin and iodinated contrast can increase the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) and lactic acidosis, a rare but serious condition. The general recommendation is to stop Metformin at the time of or prior to the procedure and withhold it for 48 hours after the procedure, resuming only after renal function has been re-evaluated and found to be normal.

Title: Choice C Reason:

CT scans, especially those requiring IV contrast, are typically performed in a radiology suite equipped with the necessary technology and medical personnel. Performing such a procedure at the bedside is uncommon and not standard practice due to the need for specialized equipment and immediate access to emergency care in case of adverse reactions. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

Title: Choice D Reason:

Taking Metformin as usual before the test is not recommended due to the risk of lactic acidosis when combined with iodinated contrast. As previously mentioned, Metformin should be withheld before and after the procedure until renal function is confirmed to be normal. This precaution helps to prevent any potential complications associated with the interaction between Metformin and the contrast agent.