The nurse reviews the arterial blood gas results of an assigned client and notes the laboratory report results
pH of 7.30, [normal pH is 7.35 to 7.45]
Paco2 of 58 mm Hg, [Normal Paco2 is 35 to 45 mm Hg]
Pao2 of 80 mm Hg. [normal is 80-100]
HCO3 of 27 mEq/L (27 mmol/L). [Normal HCO3 is 22-26]
The nurse interprets that the client has which acid-base disturbance?
Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
The Correct Answer is A
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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Obesity is a modifiable risk factor, as it can be addressed through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.
B. Race is a nonmodifiable risk factor; certain races may have a higher risk of stroke due to genetic and environmental factors.
C. History of smoking is a modifiable risk factor because individuals can choose to quit smoking to reduce their risk of stroke.
D. History of hypertension is also a modifiable risk factor; while having high blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, it can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Petechiae are small, pinpoint hemorrhages and are considered objective data that can be observed and documented by the nurse.
B. Blood pressure is a vital sign and objective data that can be measured using a sphygmomanometer.
C. Cyanosis is a physical sign indicating low oxygenation in the blood and is objective data that can be observed.
D. Nausea is a subjective symptom reported by the client, reflecting their internal experience and cannot be measured or observed directly.