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 D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Bradycardia is not typically associated with pulmonary edema; instead, tachycardia is more common as the body tries to compensate for decreased oxygenation.
B. Wheezing may occur in certain respiratory conditions but is not a classic finding in pulmonary edema; instead, crackles or rales are more expected due to fluid accumulation.
C. Pale, dry skin is not characteristic of pulmonary edema; the client may present with cyanosis or clammy skin due to hypoxia.
D. Pink, frothy sputum is a classic sign of pulmonary edema, indicating fluid in the alveoli and is often associated with acute heart failure.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Triglycerides within the normal range do not indicate a need for additional nutrients.
B. A low albumin level of 2.8 g/dL indicates poor protein status and may suggest that the client requires additional protein in their enteral feeding to help with healing and overall nutrition.
C. A creatinine level of 1.1 mg/dL is within normal limits and does not indicate a need for additional nutrients.
D. Alkaline phosphatase at 118 units/L is within the normal range and does not suggest a deficiency requiring additional nutrients.