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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View Related questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Petechiae are small, pinpoint hemorrhages and are considered objective data that can be observed and documented by the nurse.
B. Blood pressure is a vital sign and objective data that can be measured using a sphygmomanometer.
C. Cyanosis is a physical sign indicating low oxygenation in the blood and is objective data that can be observed.
D. Nausea is a subjective symptom reported by the client, reflecting their internal experience and cannot be measured or observed directly.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Response to verbal stimuli does not directly assess the function of cranial nerves III, IV, and VI.
B. Affect, feelings, or emotions are related to the assessment of other neurological functions and do not evaluate the ocular cranial nerves specifically.
C. Eye movements are the primary function of cranial nerves III (oculomotor), IV (trochlear), and VI (abducens), which control eye movement and provide essential information about their function.
D. Insight, judgment, and planning relate more to cognitive function and do not directly assess the function of the cranial nerves in question.