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 ["2"]
Explanation
desired dose / available dose) x available volume.
The desired dose is 250 mg, and the available dose is 1000 mg in 8 mL.
So, the calculation would be: (250 mg / 1000 mg) x 8 mL = 2 mL. Therefore, the nurse should administer 2 mL of hydrocortisone sodium succinate.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Pursed-lip breathing does not require a specific body position, but it is often more comfortable and effective when the patient is in a semi-Fowler’s position (elevated head of the bed) or sitting upright. Being flat on the back might actually make breathing more difficult for some patients with COPD.
B. The technique involves inhaling slowly through the nose and exhaling through pursed lips, which creates a slight resistance during expiration. This helps to keep the airways open longer, reduce airway collapse, and improve oxygen exchange. Proper inhalation and exhalation technique are key components of effective pursed-lip breathing.
C. In pursed-lip breathing, expiration should be longer than inspiration. The recommended pattern is to inhale slowly through the nose for about 2 counts and then exhale slowly through pursed lips for about 4 counts. The extended expiration phase helps to remove trapped air from the lungs and improves overall ventilation.
D. Coughing forcefully is not a part of pursed-lip breathing. Pursed-lip breathing focuses on controlled breathing to improve airflow and ease breathing. Coughing can be done separately if needed, but it is not a component of the pursed-lip breathing technique.
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