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 A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Irritability when being held may indicate increased intracranial pressure or complications related to the VP shunt placement and should be reported to the provider.
B. A heart rate of 122/min is within the normal range for an infant and does not require reporting.
C. Hypoactive bowel sounds may occur postoperatively, especially if the infant has not been fed or has been under anesthesia, and is not an immediate concern.
D. A urine specific gravity of 1.018 is within normal limits for infants and does not indicate a need for reporting.