The nurse reviews the arterial blood gas results of a client and notes the following:
pH 7.45, [normal range: 7.35-7.45]
Paco2 of 30 mm Hg (30 mmol/L), [normal range: 35-45]
HCO3- of 20 mEq/L (20 mmol/L), [normal range: 22-26]
Which condition would the nurse analyze these results to indicate?
Metabolic alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis
The Correct Answer is C
A. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and a high HCO3- level; this does not match the provided values.
B. Metabolic acidosis would show a low pH and a low HCO3-, which does not match the findings.
C. The pH is high (7.45) while the Paco2 is low (30 mm Hg), indicating respiratory alkalosis. The low HCO3- could be a compensatory mechanism but does not change the primary interpretation of respiratory alkalosis.
D. Respiratory acidosis would be indicated by a low pH and a high Paco2, which is not the case here.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Auscultating the area may not provide information about the dorsalis pedis pulse, which is a palpated pulse.
B. Using Doppler ultrasonography is the most appropriate next step to locate the dorsalis pedis pulse if it cannot be palpated, as it provides a non-invasive way to detect blood flow.
C. While documenting the absence of the pulse is necessary, it should be done after attempts to locate the pulse have been made.
D. It is not immediately necessary to ask a provider to assess the pulse; the nurse can use Doppler ultrasonography first to gather more information.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. The diaphragm of the stethoscope is used for high-pitched sounds, such as lung and normal heart sounds, not low-pitched sounds.
B. The binaural (earpieces) should fit snugly in the ears to ensure proper sound transmission and clarity.
C. Short tubing provides more accurate sounds by minimizing sound distortion, making it ideal for clinical use.
D. The bell of the stethoscope is used for low-pitched sounds, such as heart murmurs, not high-pitched sounds.
E. The stethoscope works by blocking out environmental sounds to help the user focus on internal body sounds.