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 C
Explanation
A. This would show a regular rhythm with a consistent rate (60-100 bpm) and clear P waves before each QRS complex, which is not present in asystole.
B. This indicates a slow heart rate (below 60 bpm) but would still display P waves and QRS complexes; asystole shows no electrical activity.
C. This is the correct interpretation as it represents a flatline on the ECG, indicating no electrical activity in the heart.
D. This would show a rapid heart rate (above 100 bpm) with present P waves, which is not the case in asystole.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Observing for facial symmetry assesses cranial nerves VII (facial nerve), not cranial nerve III.
B. Cranial nerve III (oculomotor nerve) is responsible for eye movement and pupillary response, making checking the pupillary response to light the correct action.
C. Testing visual acuity primarily assesses cranial nerve II (optic nerve), not cranial nerve III.
D. Eliciting the gag reflex is associated with cranial nerves IX (glossopharyngeal) and X (vagus), not cranial nerve III.