Try our free nursing testbanks today. click here to join
Teas 7 test, Hesi A2 and Nursing prep
Nursingprepexams LEARN. PREPARE. EXCEL!
  • Home
  • Nursing
  • TEAS
  • HESI
  • Blog
Start Studying Now

Take full exam for free

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?

A.

Metabolic alkalosis

B.

Respiratory alkalosis

C.

Respiratory acidosis

D.

Metabolic acidosis

Answer and Explanation

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

  1. Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
  2. Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
  3. Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
  4. Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
  5. Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
  6. Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
  7. Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
  8. Free Community Health Quiz 8
  9. Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
  10. Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
Take full exam free

View Related questions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Rounded describes a normal abdomen but does not convey the greater extent of fullness seen in this case.

B. Scaphoid describes a concave abdomen, which does not apply to this situation.

C. Flat indicates no significant contour changes, which does not apply here.

D. Protuberant is the correct term, as it describes an abdomen that is significantly distended and is characteristic of conditions like pregnancy, ascites, or obesity.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Pigeon chest (pectus carinatum) is a structural deformity of the chest and is not associated with COPD.

B. A barrel chest is commonly seen in clients with COPD due to hyperinflation of the lungs, causing the chest to appear rounded and expanded.

C. Kyphotic refers to an abnormal curvature of the spine (kyphosis) and is not a characteristic of COPD.

D. Funnel chest (pectus excavatum) is another structural deformity and is not typically associated with COPD.

Quick Links

Nursing Teas Hesi Blog

Resources

Nursing Test banks Teas Prep Hesi Prep Nursingprepexams Blogs
© Nursingprepexams.com @ 2019 -2025, All Right Reserved.