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.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Asystole: Asystole would show a flat line with no electrical activity, which is not seen here.
B. Ventricular fibrillation: Ventricular fibrillation is characterized by chaotic, irregular waveforms without distinct P waves, QRS complexes, or T waves. The ECG strip shows this disorganized, erratic electrical activity consistent with ventricular fibrillation.
C. Sinus tachycardia: Sinus tachycardia would display a regular rhythm with identifiable P waves, QRS complexes, and T waves at a faster rate. This is not present in the ECG strip.
D. Sinus bradycardia: Sinus bradycardia would show a slower rate but with an organized rhythm and distinct P, QRS, and T waves. This is not indicated in the strip.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Early ventricular repolarization is represented by the T wave, not the P wave.
B. The P wave represents atrial depolarization, which is the electrical activity that triggers the contraction of the atria.
C. Slow repolarization of ventricular Purkinje fibers is represented by the T wave, not the P wave.
D. Ventricular depolarization is represented by the QRS complex, not the P wave.