Which blood gas result will the nurse expect to observe in a patient with respiratory alkalosis?
pH 7.53, PaCO2 30 mm Hg, HCO3-24 mEq/L
pH 7.35, PaCO2 35 mm Hg. HCO3-26 mEq/L
pH 7.25, PaCO2 48 mm Hg. HCO3-23 mEq/L
pH 7.60, PaCO2 40 mm Hg, HCO3-30 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is A
A. pH: Elevated (above 7.45), indicating alkalosis. PaCO₂: Decreased (below 35 mm Hg), reflecting hyperventilation and CO₂ loss. HCO₃⁻: Usually normal (around 24 mEq/L) or slightly decreased, as metabolic compensation might not be immediate. The results here show an elevated pH, decreased PaCO₂, and normal HCO₃⁻, which are consistent with respiratory alkalosis.
B. pH: Decreased (acidic), indicating acidosis. PaCO₂: Slightly elevated (near normal), not indicative of respiratory alkalosis. HCO₃⁻: Normal (around 26 mEq/L), suggesting no significant metabolic component or compensation. This profile does not match respiratory alkalosis; it is more consistent with a mixed or different type of acid-base imbalance.
C. pH: Decreased (acidic), indicating acidosis. PaCO₂: Elevated (above 45 mm Hg), indicating CO₂ retention, which is characteristic of respiratory acidosis, not alkalosis. HCO₃⁻: Normal (around 23 mEq/L), showing no significant metabolic compensation or disturbance. This profile indicates respiratory acidosis rather than respiratory alkalosis.
D. pH: Elevated (alkaline), which is consistent with alkalosis. PaCO₂: Normal (around 40 mm Hg), indicating that CO₂ levels are not the primary cause of the alkalosis. HCO₃⁻: Elevated (above 28 mEq/L), suggesting a metabolic alkalosis or compensation for a respiratory acidosis, but not respiratory alkalosis alone.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Murmurs are usually related to valve dysfunctions, such as tricuspid or pulmonic valve issues, which may or may not be present in right-sided heart failure.
B. Crackles (or rales) are more commonly associated with left-sided heart failure. They result from fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary congestion) due to the heart's inability to handle the blood returning from the lungs.
C. Chest pain can occur in various cardiac conditions but is not a hallmark symptom of right-sided heart failure. It might be present if there are underlying coronary artery disease issues or other conditions, but it is not directly indicative of right-sided heart failure.
D. Peripheral edema is a classic finding in right-sided heart failure. It results from fluid accumulation in the lower extremities due to the heart's inability to effectively pump blood to the lungs and systemic circulation, causing increased venous pressure and fluid leakage into the tissues.
Correct Answer is ["C"]
Explanation
A. Asking the client to read their identification bracelet can be additional verification steps, but it is not standard practice for all institutions
B. To point to the surgical site can be additional verification steps, but it is not standard practice for all institutions.
C. Using two acceptable client identifiers, such as the client's name and date of birth, to confirm the patient's identity.
D. It is important to verify that the surgical site has been marked, which is a critical step in preventing wrong-site surgery.
E. Asking the client to state the surgery being performed is a good practice as it involves the patient in their care and serves as a final verification of the correct procedure.
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