ATI PN Adult Medical Surgical 2020 with NGN

ATI PN Adult Medical Surgical 2020 with NGN ( 78 Questions)

A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia with dyspnea. The client's ABG results are pH 7.30, PaCO2 50 mm Hg, HCO3 26 mEq/L. The nurse should recognize that the client has which of the following acid-base imbalances?



Correct Answer: D

Choice A reason: Metabolic alkalosis is a condition in which the pH is high and the HCO3 is high. This can be caused by excessive vomiting, diuretic use, or ingestion of antacids. The client's ABG results do not indicate metabolic alkalosis.

Choice B reason: Respiratory alkalosis is a condition in which the pH is high and the PaCO2 is low. This can be caused by hyperventilation, anxiety, or fever. The client's ABG results do not indicate respiratory alkalosis.

Choice C reason: Metabolic acidosis is a condition in which the pH is low and the HCO3 is low. This can be caused by diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure, or diarrhea. The client's ABG results do not indicate metabolic acidosis.

Choice D reason: Respiratory acidosis is a condition in which the pH is low and the PaCO2 is high. This can be caused by hypoventilation, airway obstruction, or lung disease. The client's ABG results indicate respiratory acidosis, which means that the client has impaired gas exchange and retention of carbon dioxide.




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