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 B
Explanation
A. Hyperventilation can lead to dizziness and lightheadedness, and it's not a recommended method for preventing atelectasis.
B. This statement indicates understanding of the importance of deep breathing exercises in preventing atelectasis.
C. This statement shows a misunderstanding of atelectasis. Anyone can develop atelectasis, especially after surgery.
D. This statement is incorrect, but it focuses on treatment rather than prevention.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While administering 0.9% sodium chloride is an important step to maintain venous access and to help dilute any blood that might still be in the tubing, it is not the first action to take if a transfusion reaction is suspected. This step should occur after the transfusion is stopped and the patient’s safety is ensured.
B. The immediate priority when a transfusion reaction is suspected is to stop the transfusion immediately. This action helps to prevent further exposure to the potentially harmful blood product and mitigates the risk of worsening the reaction. Stopping the transfusion also allows for prompt medical assessment and intervention.
C. Returning the unit of blood to the blood bank is important for investigation and to determine the cause of the reaction, but it should be done after stopping the transfusion and ensuring the client’s safety. The blood bank may require the returned unit to confirm any issues with the blood product.
D. Obtaining a blood sample from the client is crucial for diagnostic purposes and to identify the cause of the reaction, but this should be done after the transfusion has been stopped. The sample may help in diagnosing the type of reaction or in managing it, but it does not address the immediate safety concerns.
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