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. +4 pitting edema is characterized by severe pitting that creates a deep indentation (greater than 8 mm) that remains for a prolonged period. This description matches the findings in option
B. This describes +1 pitting edema, which is not consistent with +4 edema.
C. This option describes +2 or +3 pitting edema, as the indentation subsides rapidly, which does not align with +4.
D. Although this describes deep pitting, the depth is less than 8 mm, which is not consistent with +4 edema.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Checking pupillary response to light assesses cranial nerve II (optic nerve).
B. Observing for facial symmetry primarily assesses cranial nerves VII (facial nerve) and possibly V (trigeminal nerve).
C. Testing for sense of smell assesses cranial nerve I (olfactory nerve).
D. Eliciting the gag reflex assesses cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal nerve) and also cranial nerve X (vagus nerve), making it the correct action to assess cranial nerve IX.