A client has a nasogastric (NG) tube placed during abdominal surgery. During postoperative convalescence, which arterial blood gas values are consistent with metabolic alkalosis?
pH 7.49, PCO₂ 45 mm Hg, HCO₃ 32 mEq/L (32 mmol/L), PO₂ 90 mm Hg.
pH 7.30, PCO₂ 20 mm Hg, HCO₃ 22 mEq/L (22 mmol/L), PO₂ 85 mm Hg.
pH 7.46, PCO₂ 55 mm Hg, HCO₃ 36 mEq/L (36 mmol/L), PO₂ 95 mm Hg.
pH 7.29, PCO₂ 35 mm Hg, HCO₃ 25 mEq/L (25 mmol/L), PO₂ 99 mm Hg.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
pH 7.49, PCO₂ 45 mm Hg, HCO₃ 32 mEq/L (32 mmol/L), PO₂ 90 mm Hg indicates metabolic alkalosis. The elevated pH and HCO₃ levels are consistent with this condition.
Choice B rationale
pH 7.30, PCO₂ 20 mm Hg, HCO₃ 22 mEq/L (22 mmol/L), PO₂ 85 mm Hg indicates metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation, not metabolic alkalosis.
Choice C rationale
pH 7.46, PCO₂ 55 mm Hg, HCO₃ 36 mEq/L (36 mmol/L), PO₂ 95 mm Hg indicates metabolic alkalosis with respiratory compensation. However, the pH is slightly lower than in Choice A, making Choice A more indicative of metabolic alkalosis.
Choice D rationale
pH 7.29, PCO₂ 35 mm Hg, HCO₃ 25 mEq/L (25 mmol/L), PO₂ 99 mm Hg indicates metabolic acidosis, not metabolic alkalosis.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Lansoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), typically requires several weeks to achieve its full therapeutic effect. Notifying the healthcare provider for a dosage change after only one week is premature and not supported by clinical guidelines.
Choice B rationale
Auscultating bowel sounds and measuring abdominal girth are not directly related to the effectiveness of lansoprazole in treating GERD. These actions are more relevant for assessing gastrointestinal motility and potential complications like bowel obstruction.
Choice C rationale
Healing of erosive esophagitis with PPIs like lansoprazole usually takes several weeks. Advising the client that healing typically takes several weeks to occur is appropriate and aligns with the expected therapeutic timeline.
Choice D rationale
Lansoprazole should be taken before meals, not after, to maximize its effectiveness. Confirming that the client is taking the medication one hour after meals would not address the issue of symptom persistence.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Reported history of alcoholism is the most important assessment finding to address before administering terbinafine HCL. Terbinafine is metabolized by the liver, and clients with a history of alcoholism may have impaired liver function, increasing the risk of hepatotoxicity. Monitoring liver function and assessing for signs of liver damage are crucial before starting treatment.
Choice B rationale
Toenails appear thick and yellow is a common symptom of fungal toenail infection, but it is not the most critical assessment finding to address before administering terbinafine HCL. The focus should be on assessing liver function.
Choice C rationale
Employed as a construction worker is not the most critical assessment finding to address before administering terbinafine HCL. While occupational exposure to fungi may be relevant, the primary concern is liver function.
Choice D rationale
White blood cell count of 8,500/mm³ (8.5 x 10⁹/L) is within the normal range and is not the most critical assessment finding to address before administering terbinafine HCL. The primary concern is liver function.