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 D
Explanation
A. Bradypnea (slow breathing) may occur in various conditions but is not a defining characteristic of cyanosis.
B. A pale reddish color in the skin is not consistent with cyanosis, which indicates a lack of oxygen in the blood.
C. Somnolence (drowsiness) may be present in some patients, but it is not a specific finding related to cyanosis.
D. Mottled blue color in the skin is a classic sign of cyanosis, indicating inadequate oxygenation of the blood, especially in the extremities or areas with poor circulation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The tympanic temperature of 37.1° C (98.8° F) is within normal limits and does not require re-measurement.
B. The respiratory rate of 14/min is also within the normal range (12-20 breaths per minute).
C. The blood pressure of 98/77 mm Hg is not alarmingly low and does not require immediate re-measurement.
D. A pulse rate of 42/min indicates bradycardia (normal resting heart rate is typically between