A client who is found unresponsive has arterial blood gases drawn, and the results indicate the following:
- pH is 7.12 (normal range: 7.35-7.45)
- PaCO2 is 90 mm Hg (normal range: 35-45)
- HCO3- is 22 mEq/L (normal range: 22-26)
The nurse interprets the results as indicating which condition?
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis
Metabolic acidosis
The Correct Answer is C
A. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and elevated bicarbonate levels, which is not present in these results.
B. Respiratory alkalosis would present with an increased pH and decreased PaCO2, which does not apply here.
C. The low pH (7.12) indicates acidemia, and the elevated PaCO2 (90 mm Hg) suggests hypoventilation and respiratory acidosis due to CO2 retention. The bicarbonate level is within normal limits, further supporting respiratory acidosis.
D. Metabolic acidosis would be indicated by a low pH and low bicarbonate levels; however, the bicarbonate is normal in this case, ruling out metabolic acidosis.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. A pulse oximeter is used to measure oxygen saturation and is not relevant to cochlear dysfunction.
B. A hearing aid is appropriate for someone with cochlear dysfunction as it can help amplify sound and improve hearing, indicating the client is adapting to the hearing loss.
C. Eyeglasses are used for vision problems and do not relate to the function of the cochlear division of the vestibulocochlear nerve.
D. A bath thermometer is used to measure water temperature and is not relevant to auditory issues.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Assessing the pedal pulses does not provide relevant information about the irregularity of the radial pulse.
B. Assessing the apical pulse for a full minute is appropriate in this situation, as it provides a more accurate measurement of the heart rate and rhythm, especially when the radial pulse is irregular.
C. Assessing the popliteal pulses with a Doppler device is not necessary and does not directly address the irregular radial pulse.
D. While a pulse oximeter can provide information about oxygen saturation, it does not assess heart rate or rhythm.