What set of arterial blood gases (ABGs) would you expect to see in a client with acute chest trauma?
pH 7.53, CO2 32, HCO3 24
pH 7.30, CO2 52, HCO3 22
pH 7.49, CO2 30, HCO3 14
pH 7.26, CO2 45, HCO3 18
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: pH 7.53 and low CO2 (32) indicate respiratory alkalosis from hyperventilation, not typical in chest trauma where breathing is impaired. HCO3 (24) is normal, showing no compensation yet, misaligning with trauma physiology.
Choice B reason: pH 7.30, high CO2 (52), and near-normal HCO3 (22) reflect respiratory acidosis from hypoventilation in chest trauma, like rib fractures, reducing air exchange. Compensation is minimal acutely, fitting the clinical scenario.
Choice C reason: pH 7.49 and low CO2 (30) suggest respiratory alkalosis, while low HCO3 (14) indicates metabolic compensation. This doesn’t match chest trauma’s ventilatory restriction, which elevates CO2 instead.
Choice D reason: pH 7.26, CO2 (45), and low HCO3 (18) show mixed acidosis. Chest trauma primarily causes respiratory acidosis from CO2 retention, not a significant metabolic drop acutely, making this less precise.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Epigastric fullness may suggest variceal pressure, but combativeness isn’t typical early bleeding; it’s more neurological, not a direct blood loss sign.
Choice B reason: Yellow sclera and hypoalbuminemia reflect liver dysfunction, not acute bleeding; hypertension contradicts blood loss, which lowers pressure initially.
Choice C reason: Bradycardia and lethargy occur late in severe hypovolemia, not early; hypotension fits bleeding but isn’t paired with early compensatory signs here.
Choice D reason: Tachycardia compensates for early blood loss in varices, restlessness reflects hypoxia, and pallor shows reduced perfusion, all classic initial bleeding indicators.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Butterfly rash, a malar erythema, is a classic SLE sign, triggered by photosensitivity and immune complex deposition in skin, reflecting systemic inflammation.
Choice B reason: Pleural effusions occur in SLE from serositis, where autoantibodies inflame pleura, causing fluid buildup, a common thoracic manifestation of the disease.
Choice C reason: Elevated ammonia levels relate to liver failure, not SLE, which affects kidneys and joints, not ammonia metabolism, making this unrelated.
Choice D reason: Pericarditis in SLE results from immune-mediated inflammation of the pericardium, causing chest pain and effusion, a frequent cardiac feature.
Choice E reason: Esophageal varices stem from portal hypertension in cirrhosis, not SLE, which targets connective tissues, not liver vasculature directly.
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