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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?

A.

Metabolic alkalosis

B.

Metabolic acidosis

C.

Respiratory alkalosis

D.

Respiratory acidosis

Answer and Explanation

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 A

Explanation

A. Respiratory acidosis: The pH is low (indicating acidosis), and the Paco₂ is elevated, which signifies that carbon dioxide retention is causing the acidosis. This pattern indicates respiratory acidosis, as the elevated HCO₃ suggests a compensatory response.

B. Respiratory alkalosis: Respiratory alkalosis would show a high pH with a low Paco₂. This is not consistent with the client’s lab results.

C. Metabolic acidosis: Metabolic acidosis would show a low pH with a low HCO₃. In this case, the HCO₃ is slightly elevated, ruling out metabolic acidosis.

D. Metabolic alkalosis: Metabolic alkalosis would show a high pH with an elevated HCO₃, which does not match the client’s results.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Pigeon chest (pectus carinatum) is a structural deformity of the chest and is not associated with COPD.

B. A barrel chest is commonly seen in clients with COPD due to hyperinflation of the lungs, causing the chest to appear rounded and expanded.

C. Kyphotic refers to an abnormal curvature of the spine (kyphosis) and is not a characteristic of COPD.

D. Funnel chest (pectus excavatum) is another structural deformity and is not typically associated with COPD.

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