A nurse is reviewing the ABG results of a client who has COPD. The results include a pH of 7.3 (7.35 to 7.45), PaO2 56 mm Hg (80 to 100 mm Hg), PaCO2 54 mm Hg (35 to 45 mm Hg), HCO3- 26 mEq/L (21 to 28 mEq/L), and SaO2 87%. Which of the following is the correct interpretation of these values?
Compensated metabolic acidosis
Compensated respiratory acidosis
Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Compensated metabolic acidosis would show a normal pH with a decrease in HCO3- and a decrease in PaCO2.
B. Compensated respiratory acidosis would show a normal pH with an elevated PaCO2 and a compensatory increase in HCO3-.
C. The low pH indicates acidosis, and the elevated PaCO2 suggests that it is respiratory in origin, with the HCO3- remaining normal, indicating no compensation has occurred yet.
D. Uncompensated metabolic acidosis would present with a low pH, low HCO3-, and normal PaCO2.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Assisting with deep breathing and coughing is the priority action. This is crucial in preventing respiratory complications, such as atelectasis or pneumonia, especially following abdominal surgery. Deep breathing exercises can help expand the lungs and promote ventilation.
B. Monitoring the incision site for signs of infection is important, but it is not the immediate priority. The client’s respiratory function takes precedence in the early postoperative period.
C. Assessing fluid intake is important for overall recovery, but it is not as critical as ensuring the client can breathe effectively and prevent complications.
D. While ambulation is beneficial for recovery and preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis, the nurse must first ensure the client can manage their airway and breathing.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Assessing a client requires clinical judgment and should not be delegated to an AP.
B. Accompanying a client to occupational therapy is a task that can be safely assigned to an AP as it does not require clinical judgment.
C. Checking the position of a client in soft wrist restraints is a routine task that can be assigned to an AP as long as the AP has been trained in restraint protocols.
D. Sitting with a client who has alcohol use disorder (5 days after their last drink) is a task that an AP can perform, especially if the client does not require close monitoring for medical complications such as delirium tremens.
E. Setting limits with a client requires therapeutic communication skills and clinical judgment, so this should not be delegated to an AP.