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","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Pale yellow urine is typically associated with good hydration; dehydration would likely result in darker urine.
B. Poor skin turgor is a classic sign of dehydration, indicating a lack of adequate fluid in the tissues.
C. Hypotension (low blood pressure) can occur with dehydration due to decreased blood volume.
D. Flat neck veins may indicate a decrease in venous return due to low blood volume associated with dehydration.
E. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not typically a finding associated with dehydration; instead, dehydration often leads to tachycardia (increased heart rate) as the body attempts to compensate for low blood volume.
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.