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.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Assessing visual acuity directly tests cranial nerve II (the optic nerve), which is responsible for vision.
B. Eliciting the gag reflex tests cranial nerves IX (glossopharyngeal) and X (vagus), not cranial nerve II.
C. Checking for pupillary response to light primarily assesses the function of cranial nerve II but is more associated with cranial nerve III (oculomotor) since it involves the constriction of the pupil. While relevant, it is not the best standalone action for assessing cranial nerve II specifically.
D. Observing for facial symmetry is associated with cranial nerve VII (facial nerve), not cranial nerve II.
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.