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 A
Explanation
A. The bell of the stethoscope is best used to listen for low-pitched sounds, including some types of murmurs, and can help assess the quality and intensity of a cardiac murmur.
B. While palpation can provide some information about the heart's function (such as thrills), it is not the primary method for assessing the quality of a murmur.
C. A Doppler ultrasound device is used for measuring blood flow and can help in assessing murmurs but does not provide the quality assessment needed for characterizing a murmur.
D. Percussion is not typically used to evaluate murmurs; it is more useful for assessing the size and borders of organs.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Elevated blood pressure is not an indication of dehydration; dehydration is more likely to cause a drop in blood pressure due to decreased blood volume.
B. Dehydration typically does not cause a low body temperature; instead, it can lead to an elevated temperature as the body conserves water.
C. Jugular vein distention is associated with fluid overload or heart failure, not dehydration.
D. Skin tenting, where the skin remains elevated after being pinched, is a classic sign of dehydration due to reduced skin elasticity.