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 D
Explanation
A. In the anterior chest assessment, auscultation usually follows inspection and is typically done before percussion.
B. In the neck assessment, the nurse may inspect and then auscultate (e.g., carotid arteries) before palpation.
C. In the heart assessment, auscultation follows inspection but may not involve percussion.
D. In the abdomen, the correct order is to inspect, auscultate, and then percuss to assess bowel sounds effectively before creating additional disturbances with percussion.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Asking the client to identify scented aromas assesses cranial nerve I (olfactory nerve), which is responsible for the sense of smell.
B. Reading a Snellen chart assesses cranial nerve II (optic nerve), which is related to vision.
C. Listening to the client's speech evaluates the function of cranial nerves V (trigeminal) and XII (hypoglossal), which are related to mastication and tongue movement, respectively.
D. Asking the client to clench his teeth tests cranial nerve V, which innervates the muscles of mastication.