Which arterial blood gas (ABG) data corresponds with a patient's clinical manifestations of respiratory alkalosis?
pH = 7.46, PaCO2 = 44 mm Hg, PaO2 = 95 mm Hg, and HCO3 = 36 mEq/L.
pH = 7.27, PaCO2 = 70 mm Hg, PaO2 = 80 mm Hg, and HCO3 = 26 mEq/L.
pH = 7.30, PaCO2 = 35 mm Hg, PaO2 = 70 mm Hg, and HCO3 = 20 mEq/L.
pH = 7.52, PaCO2 = 24 mm Hg, PaO2 = 85 mm Hg, and HCO3 = 24 mEq/L.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is Choice D. Then start with Choice A rationale:
Choice A is incorrect because it represents metabolic alkalosis, not respiratory alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis occurs when there is a primary increase in the bicarbonate (HCO3) level, which causes the pH to rise above the normal range (7.35-7.45). The PaCO2 is normal in this case, indicating that the respiratory system is not involved in the acid-base imbalance. Some causes of metabolic alkalosis include vomiting, diuretic use, excessive antacid intake, and mineralocorticoid excess1.
Choice B is incorrect because it represents respiratory acidosis, not respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is a primary decrease in the PaCO2 level, which causes the pH to fall below the normal range. The HCO3 is normal in this case, indicating that the metabolic system is not involved in the acid-base imbalance. Some causes of respiratory acidosis include hypoventilation, airway obstruction, chest trauma, neuromuscular disorders, and chronic lung diseases2.
Choice C is incorrect because it represents metabolic acidosis, not respiratory alkalosis. Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is a primary decrease in the HCO3 level, which causes the pH to fall below the normal range. The PaCO2 is normal in this case, indicating that the respiratory system is not involved in the acid-base imbalance. Some causes of metabolic acidosis include diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, renal failure, diarrhea, and poisoning3.
Choice D is correct because it represents respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is a primary decrease in the PaCO2 level, which causes the pH to rise above the normal range. The HCO3 is normal in this case, indicating that the metabolic system is not involved in the acid-base imbalance. Some causes of respiratory alkalosis include hyperventilation, anxiety, panic, fever, pain, tumor, trauma, severe anemia, liver disease, overdose of certain medicines, pulmonary embolism, pregnancy, and any lung disease that leads to shortness of breath . Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by symptoms such as breathlessness, dizziness, numbness, tingling, muscle spasms, chest discomfort, confusion, and fainting.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
0.459% saline is a hypotonic solution with a lower concentration of salt than the normal physiological range (0.9% NaCl) Hypotonic solutions can cause red blood cells to swell and potentially burst due to the osmotic imbalance, making it inappropriate for hypovolemic shock.
Choice B rationale:
0.9% NaCl, also known as normal saline, is an isotonic solution with a salt concentration similar to the body's own fluids. Isotonic solutions are ideal for hypovolemic shock as they help to expand the intravascular volume without causing significant shifts of fluid and electrolytes within the body compartments.
Choice C rationale:
5% dextrose in 0.45% saline is a hypotonic solution with a low salt concentration. While it provides some fluid replacement, it doesn't address the electrolyte imbalance adequately, which is crucial in hypovolemic shock.
Choice D rationale:
Dextran is a plasma volume expander but is not the first-line choice for hypovolemic shock. It might be used in certain situations, but isotonic crystalloids like 0.9% NaCl are preferred for rapid volume expansion and stabilization of the patient.
Correct Answer is ["B","D"]
Explanation
Choice B rationale:
Conjunctival pallor is a common physical finding in patients with low hemoglobin levels (anemia), leading to paleness in mucous membranes such as the conjunctiva.
Choice C rationale:
Sternal tenderness is not a typical finding associated with low hemoglobin levels and is not directly related to anemia.
Choice D rationale:
A heart rate of 104 beats/min can be a compensatory response to anemia, as explained in .
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