Respiratory System

A nurse is caring for a client following a right pleural thoracentesis. The nurse measures a total of 35 mL of purulent drainage. Which of the following findings indicate a tension pneumothorax?

-tracheal deviation to the left -absent breath sounds on the right side -neck vein distention

A nurse is auscultation the lungs of a client who is having acute asthma attack. Which of the following sounds should the nurse expect to hear?

Noisy wheezing

The school nurse is teaching a group of older adults about maintaining a healthy respiratory system. Which risk factor(s) for respiratory disease should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)

-tobacco use -chronic renal disease -group living conditions -compromised immune response

A nurse is reinforcing preoperative teaching with a client who has lung cancer and will undergo a pneumonectomy. Which of the following pieces of information should the nurse include?

-you will have a chest tube in place after surgery - We'll help you turn, cough and breathe deeply frequently after surgery -We'll give you oxygen to support your breathing if you need it

A nurse in an urgent care clinic is collecting data from a client who reports exposure to anthrax. Which of the following findings is an indication of the prodromal stage of inhalation of anthrax?

Dry cough

The student nurse is preparing a report about COPD. The student would be correct in including which disease(s) in the report? (Select all that apply.)

-emphysema -chronic bronchitis rationale: Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are categorized as COPD. They are obstructive pulmonary disorders characterized by problems with moving air into and out of the lungs and progressive dyspnea. Asthma is considered a chronic airflow limitation disorder. Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura. Pulmonary tuberculosis is an infection of the lungs.

A nurse is reinforcing preoperative teaching with a client who is to undergo a pneumonectomy. The client states, "I am afraid it will hurt to cough after the surgery." Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

"I will show you how to splint your incision while coughing."

A nurse is assisting with discharge teaching for a client who is postoperative following a rhinoplasty. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

"Lie on your back with your head elevated 30* when resting"

A nurse in a clinic is reinforcing teaching with a client who is to have a tuberculin skin test. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

"You must return to the clinic to have the test read in 2 or 3 days."

A nurse is assisting with preparing a client for a bronchoscope. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

-explain that the client will receive sedation and will not remember the procedure. - verify that the client understands the purpose and nature of the procedure.

A nurse is assisting with planning postoperative education for a client who will undergo a radical neck dissection for cancer of the larynx. The nurse should suggest including which of the following topics?

-NPO status -alternative methods of communication -changes in body image -swanking exercises

The nurse is caring for a patient with viral pneumonia. Which intervention(s) should the nurse expect to be included in the care plan? Select all apply

-Providing adequate rest periods -Maintaining adequate fluid intake -Monitoring vital signs and respiratory status -providing oral hygiene before and after meals rationale: Antibiotics are effective only for bacterial, not viral, infections. Antibiotics would be given only for secondary bacterial infections. The care plan should include provision of adequate rest periods, maintaining adequate fluid intake, monitoring vital signs and respiratory status, and providing oral hygiene before and after meals.

A charge nurse receives notification of the admission of a client who is coughing frequently and whose sputum is pink, frothy and copious. The client has history of night sweats, anorexia and weight loss. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

-assign the client to private room with negative air pressure. -wear an N95 respiratory when entering the clients room

The nurse is teaching the patient about ways to prevent inflammation in the respiratory tract. Which patient statement(s) demonstrate(s) knowledge of this subject? (Select all that apply.)

- " I need to stop smoking" - " I should be sure to practice good handwashing" -I need to get enough rest and eat a balanced diet" -"It's a good idea to stay away from crowds during cold and flu season" Rationale: The patient demonstrates an understanding of how to decrease inflammation in the respiratory tract by discussing the need to quit smoking, receive adequate rest, eat a balanced diet, practice hand hygiene, and avoid crowds during cold and flu season. An additional way is to avoid known allergens. An aspirin every day helps maintain good circulation and prevents clots; it does not decrease respiratory inflammation.

The nurse is caring for a patient with epistaxis who is to be taken for x-rays of the skull and face. What nursing intervention(s) will be necessary? (Select all that apply.)

- Monitoring airway patency - Keeping the patient sitting forward -Compressing the bleeding nostril against the septum and applying ice Rationale: Airway patency is always the priority; compression of the nostril and application of ice to the area are standard actions to control epistaxis. Keeping the patient sitting forward prevents blood from running down the back of the throat. In general, analgesia and oral intake are held until a diagnosis can be made and it is determined whether surgery will be necessary

The nurse is caring for a patient following a total laryngectomy. Which interventions should the nurse anticipate will be needed? (Select all that apply.)

- Perform trachestomy care -Maintain aspiration precautions - Develop an alternate communication method rationale: The patient will first have a laryngectomy tube and then a standard tracheostomy because of postoperative edema that could cause airway obstruction. Aspiration will initially be a risk. Because laryngectomy patients lose the ability to speak, devising an alternative means of communication with the patient's input is a priority. A thin feeding tube is placed during surgery following laryngectomy for about 10 to 14 days. The patient initially has only intravenous fluids but then progresses to regular tube feedings. With healing, training in eating and swallowing are initiated. Neutropenia is not generally expected after laryngectomy. Standard infection control measures should be sufficient to prevent infection.

A nurse is reinforcing teaching about breathing techniques with a client who has emphysema. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as indication that the client understands the mechanics behind pursed lip breathing?

When I breathe out through pursed lips, my airways don't collapse between breaths.

A nurse on medical surgical unit is caring for 4 clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse monitor for crepitus?

A client who has a chest tube following a pneumothorax

A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for a client who is post operative following a hip arthroplasty. In the clients medical record, the nurse noted a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Which of the following oxygen delivery methods should the nurse recommend to use for this client?

A nasal cannula

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client has a chronic cough and is scheduled for a bronchoscope. Which of the following client statements indicated an understanding of the teaching?

A tissue sample might be obtained during this procedure

A nurse on a medical unit is assisting with the care of a client who has a possible closed pneumothorax and significant bruising of the left chest following a motor-vehicle crash. The client reports severe left chest pain on inspiration. The nurse should hear which of the following findings when auscultating the client's lung sounds?

Absence of breath sounds

A patient with asthma is suddenly experiencing difficulty breathing, tachypnea, and wheezing. Which medication listed on the medication administration record, administered through an inhaler, should the nurse administer to this patient?

Albuterol Rationale: Albuterol is a fast-acting bronchodilator and can be given during an acute episode of asthma symptoms. Its onset of action is 5 to 10 minutes and its duration is 3 to 4 h. Cromolyn is an inhaled antiinflammatory agent that may take up to 2 weeks to produce a therapeutic effect. Salmeterol and formoterol are long-acting bronchodilators that should not be used to treat acute episodes of asthma.

A patient is to have a bronchoscopy. The LPN/LVN should expect which finding in the postprocedure period?

Blood tinged sputum Rationale: It is normal to find a small amount of blood-tinged sputum due to the irritation of the respiratory mucosa during the procedure. Elevated blood pressure, elevated temperature, and dyspnea are indications that complications may be occurring postprocedure.

What are some commonly prescribed drugs used for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis?

Antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestants Rationale: Commonly prescribed drugs used for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis include antihistamines, corticosteroids, decongestants, and mast cell stabilizers. Beta blockers, aspirin, anginals, anticoagulants, and alpha antagonists are not prescribed drugs for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis.

The nurse is caring for a patient going to surgery for a tracheostomy. What is the purpose of a tracheostomy?

insert a tube for breathing rationale: A tracheostomy is a surgical incision into the trachea for the purpose of inserting a tube for breathing. A feeding tube is inserted for feeding a patient. A nasogastric tube is inserted for gastric drainage and a T-tube is inserted for bile drainage.

The nurse is caring for a patient who has had a partial laryngectomy and is experiencing difficulty swallowing. For which complication is this patient most at risk?

Aspiration Rationale: The patient with a difficulty swallowing is most at risk for aspiration of food or fluids, which often leads to aspiration pneumonia. The patient is not at risk for epiglottitis, esophageal varicosities, or paralysis of the vocal cords.

A nurse is reinforcing instructions with a client who has a new laryngectomy. The nurse should tell the client to be careful while bathing to prevent which of the following complications?

Aspiration of water

A nurse is caring for a client who schedule to have his chest tube remove. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Auscultate the lung sounds after removal

The patient tells the LPN/LVN that she has been hoarse for the past 2½ weeks. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

You should see your primary health care provider." Rationale: Hoarseness or a sore throat that lasts longer than 2 weeks should be investigated by the primary health care provider and can assist in the early detection of throat malignancy. Running a humidifier, talking as little as possible, and gargling with warm salted water are good interventions if the hoarseness is found to be viral or a bacterial infection, but the hoarseness could be due to a more serious cause.

A nurse is preparing to assist a provider to withdraw arterial blood from a clients radial artery for measurement of ABG. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

Check the circulation in the client's ulnar artery prior to obtaining the specimen.

Which finding in a female patient should indicate to the LPN/LVN that the patient is likely to have a respiratory problem?

Clubbing of the fingers Rationale: Clubbing of the fingers may be seen in patients with chronic respiratory or heart disease. Clubbing is characterized by the fingers being wider than normal at the distal end, similar in shape of a club. Also, there is marked rounded curvature of the fingernails. Inverted breast nipples, the inability to rotate the shoulder joint, and a fine maculopapular rash over the anterior of the chest do not indicate respiratory problems.

A nurse is preparing a client for discharge following a bronchoscope. Which of the following assessments is the nurse monitoring priority?

Confirming the gag reflex

A nurse is assisting with the care for a client who had a chest tube inserted 12 hr ago. The nurse notes a crackling sensation upon palpation of the skin on the right side of the clients chest. The nurse should notify the charge nurse that the client is demonstrating a clinical manifestation of which of the following complications?

Crepitus

A nurse on a medical surgical unit is collecting data from a client who recently transferred from the ICU following endotracheal extubation. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as possible manifestation of tracheal stenosis and report to the charge nurse?

Increased coughing

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has pharyngitis. Which of the following findings is the nurses priority to report to the provider?

Inspiratory stridor

A nurse is assisting with the development of a teaching plan about how to prevent an acute asthma attack for a young adult client. Which of the following points should the nurse plan to discuss first?

Determine the client's perception of the disease process and what might have triggered the current attack

A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a client who is postoperative following a hip replacement surgery. The client reports feeling apprehensive and restless. The nurse collects additional data from the client. Which of the following findings is an indication of pulmonary embolism?

Sudden onset of dyspnea

A nurse is caring for a client who smokes cigarettes and has new diagnosis of emphysema. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to assist the client with smoking cessation?

Discuss the ways the client can reduce the number of cigarettes smoked per day

The nurse is suctioning a patient who is unable to expectorate respiratory secretions from his tracheotomy. How can the nurse avoid the serious consequences of removing oxygen when suctioning this patient?

Do not suction the patient for more than 10 to 15 seconds. Rationale: Limiting suctioning to 10 to 15 seconds per suction attempt will help prevent the removal of too much oxygen from the patient. The patient should be preoxygenated before suctioning, and the pressure should be between 80 and 100 mm Hg. Suction should be applied only while the catheter is being removed.

A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for a client who had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and is malnourished. Which of the following recommendations to promote nutritional intake should the nurse include in the plan?

Eat high-calorie foods first.

A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia is experiencing thick oral secretions. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Encourage deep breathing and coughing

A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing acute opioid toxicity. Which of the following actions should the nurse identify as the priority?

Ensure an adequate airway.

A nurse is caring for a client for whom the respiratory therapist has just removed the endotracheal tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Evaluate the client for stridor

The nurse notes that the respiratory symptoms of the patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have affected his nutrition. Which would most help improve the patient's nutrition?

Extra protein is required to repair damaged tissues Rationale: Nutrition is very important for the patient with COPD because the extra work to breathe properly uses more calories and anorexia may be present. Extra protein is required to repair damaged tissues. It is helpful to drink six to eight glasses of noncaffeinated fluids per day to keep mucus thin and easier to cough up, unless the physician has the patient on a fluid restriction. The patient should rest before eating, not exercise before meals. The patient should avoid overeating and should eat four to six small meals a day rather than three regular meals to decrease stomach fullness and reduce fatigue.

A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a rhinoplasty. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the surgeon?

Frequent swallowing

A patient with a sore throat is to have a throat culture to establish whether the infection is being caused by Streptococcus. If it is a streptococcal infection and the patient is not treated, what may the patient be at risk for?

Glomerulonephritis rationale: Streptococcus can invade the kidney or heart if the infection is left untreated, causing glomerulonephritis or rheumatic fever. The patient is not at risk for cystitis, hepatitis, or glaucoma.

A patient's nose begins to bleed. Which action should the LPN/LVN take?

Have the patient apply direct pressure by pinching his nose for 10 to 15 minutes. Rationale: The patient should lean forward and apply pressure by pinching the soft portion of his nose for 10 to 15 minutes. Blowing the nose will increase bleeding, as will applying heat. Swallowing may lead to nausea and vomiting from blood entering the stomach.

The nurse assesses a patient with emphysema and notes a barrel chest. What is the reason for this patient's chest anomaly?

Hyperinflation of the lungs Rationale: A patient with emphysema develops a barrel chest as a result of the trapping of air in the lungs, which causes them to hyperinflate. Collapsed alveoli, use of accessory muscles, and long-term, chronic hypoxia do not cause a barrel chest.

A nurse is collecting data about the respiratory status of a client who has COPD. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse identify as an indication of the early onset of respiratory failure.

Tachycardia

A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for a client following placement of a chest tube 1 hr ago. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Tape all connections between the chest tube and drainage system

A nurse is reinforcing preoperative teaching with a client who will undergo a total laryngectomy. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as indication that the client understands the impact of the surgery?

I understand that I will have a permanent tracheostomy after the surgery

A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching with a client who had a pulmonary embolism. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the client understands this information?

I'll call the doctor if I see any blood in my urine or stool

A nurse is caring for a client who has chest tube. The nurse noted that the chest tube has become disconnected from the chest drainage system. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Immerse the end of the chest tube in a bottle of sterile water

A patient with emphysema may lose weight despite having an adequate caloric intake. What advice should the nurse give the patient regarding ways to maintain an optimal weight?

Increase calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Rationale: Due to the amount of energy expended for breathing, patients with emphysema often need additional calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Patients require more calories but not more fats. Increasing activity will increase oxygen demand and result in further weight loss.

A patient presents at the emergency room complaining of severe throat pain "that's so bad I can hardly swallow. It feels like there's a huge lump in my throat." The patient is diagnosed with severe pharyngitis. What would the nurse include in patient teaching regarding this condition?

Increase fluid intake Rationale: Increasing fluid intake will thin any secretions that develop and keep the patient from becoming dehydrated. Decreased humidity will thicken secretions and create more difficulty swallowing. Because of the vitamin C content, fruit juices will help the immune system and the ability to fight infection. Hot baths or showers pose no problem for this patient.

A nurse is caring for a client who has a 20 year history of COPD and is receiving oxygen at 2/L min via nasal cannula. The client is dyspeptic and has oxygen saturation via pulse oximetry of 85%. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Increase the oxygen flow and request an arterial blood gas determination.

A nurse is reinforcing teaching about pursed-lip breathing for a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema. The nurse should explain that this breathing technique does which of the following?

Keeps the airway open on exhalation

A nurse is caring for a client who had a left lower lobectomy to treat lung cancer. Which of the following factors has a significant impact on the plan of care for this client?

Lung cancer usually has metastasized before the client has symptoms

A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse make?

Maintain the head of the bed at 30 degrees.

A nurse is assisting a provider with a comprehensive physical examination of a client. When the provider uses transillumination, the nurse should explain to the client that this technique helps evaluate which of the following structures?

Maximally sinuses

A nurse in a provider's office is collecting data from a client who is states he was recently exposed to tuberculosis. Which of the following findings is a clinical manifestation of pulmonary tuberculosis?

Night sweats

A patient with COPD asks the nurse to turn his oxygen up from 3 L/min via nasal cannula to 5 L/min. The nurse asseses the patient and finds that the oxygen saturation level is at 91%. The nurse explains to the patient that she cannot turn his oxygen up this high for what reason?

Oxygen is titrated to maintain saturation levels. Rationale: O2 should be titrated to maintain an oxygen saturation of 88% to 92%. COPD patients have adjusted to chronic hypoxia and to high CO2 levels. Closely monitor the pulse oximetry readings and titrate the oxygen as needed. Hypercapnia is the result of hypoventilation, during which the usual amount of carbon dioxide is not eliminated by exhalation. Carbon dioxide is a respiratory stimulant, and the normal response to excessive levels of carbon dioxide is an increase in respiratory rate. Increasing the oxygen flow unnecessarily will not relieve increased respirations. Low oxygen levels, not high carbon dioxide levels, are the stimulus for breathing for a patient with COPD. Higher concentrations of oxygen will not be required for ABGs or result in a headache.

A nurse on a medical unit is assisting with the care of a client who aspirated gastric contents prior to admission. The provider prescribed 100% oxygen by nonrebreather mask after the client reported severe dyspnea. Which of the following findings is a clinical manifestation of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

PaO2 50 mm Hg

The nurse is performing an admission assessment on a patient who is scheduled for several diagnostic respiratory procedures. Which symptom(s) reported by the patient would make the nurse suspect the patient may have laryngeal cancer?

Persistent hoarseness Rationale: Laryngitis lasting longer than 2 weeks is considered ominous and should be followed up with a physician. Anemia is an issue that usually results from the effects of chemotherapy on bone marrow. Sleep apnea and snoring are associated with muscle relaxation at the back of the throat and are not symptoms of laryngeal cancer. Difficulty swallowing may indicate a problem within the esophagus.

A nurse is caring for a client who has COPD and is experiencing shortness of breath. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Place the client in an upright position

A patient who experienced high fever and chills, a productive cough, chest pain, general malaise, and aching muscles during the past week is admitted to the hospital. The nurse realizes these symptoms correspond most closely with which disease?

Pneumonia Rationale: Typical signs and symptoms of pneumonia include high fever, chills, a cough that produces rusty or blood-flecked sputum, sweating, chest pain, a general feeling of malaise, and aching muscles. These symptoms do not describe type A influenza, pleurisy with effusion, or S. empyema infection.

A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following acid-base imbalances?

Respiratory acidosis

A nurse is caring for a client who is extremely anxious and is hyperventilating. The client ABG results are pH 7.50, PaCO2 27 mmHg, and HCO3-25 mEq/L. The nurse should identify that the client has which of the following acid base imbalances?

Respiratory alkalosis

A nurse in the PACU is collecting data from a newly admitted client and observes intercostal retractions and a high pitched inspiratory sound. The nurse should identify that these findings are manifestations of which of the following complications?

Respiratory obstruction

It is appropriate to teach patients to obtain sufficient rest to help decrease the frequency with which they contract upper respiratory infections. How does rest help prevent respiratory infections?

Rest assists in keeping the immune system healthy Rationale: Proper rest and good nutrition help keep the immune system functioning properly, which will decrease the likelihood of contracting respiratory infections. White blood cells, rather than red blood cells, fight infection; rest does not influence the amount of vitamin C excreted, and rest does not have an effect on the cough reflex.

A nurse is assisting the provider to prepare a client for a thoracentesis. The nurse should instruct the client that which of the following positions will be used for this procedure?

Sitting while leaning forward over the bedside table

The nurse is caring for a patient who is going to have a thoracentesis performed. How should the nurse position the patient for this procedure?

Sitting, facing the side of the bed. rationale: To prepare a patient for a thoracentesis, the nurse should position the patient sitting, facing the side of the bed, and leaning over the overbed table with arms crossed on it; pillows or the back of a chair can also be used. The nurse should assist the patient to remain still during the procedure. A flat position, while either prone or supine, does not allow for full chest expansion

A nurse in a medical surgical unit is assessing a client. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings is a manifestation of pulmonary embolism?

Stabbing chest pain

A nurse is caring for a client who has a tracheostomy with an inflated cuff in place. Which of the following findings indicates that the nurse should suction the clients airway secretions?

The client has coarse crackles in the lung fields.

The student nurse is caring for a patient with a restrictive respiratory disease. Which description demonstrates the student's knowledge of the disease?

The disease is characterized by decreased lung expansion. Rationale :Restrictive respiratory disorders may be caused by decreased elasticity or compliance of the lungs, decreased ability of the chest wall to expand, or disorders of the central nervous system. Increased lung volumes, lung obstruction, or narrowed tracheobronchial tree openings are not characteristics of restrictive respiratory disease.

A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thoracic lobectomy. The client has 2 chest tubes in place, 1 in the lower portion of the thorax and the other higher up on the chest wall. When the family ask the nurse why the client has two tubes, which of the following responses should the nurse make?

The lower tube will drain blood, and the higher tube will remove air

A patient taking aminophylline tells the nurse that he is going to begin a smoking cessation program when he is discharged from the hospital. Why should the nurse tell this patient to notify his physician if his smoking pattern changes?

The patient will need his aminophylline dosage adjusted. Rationale: The length of the action of aminophylline is decreased by smoking. Therefore, changes in smoking patterns should be discussed with the physician or other health care provider because this may affect the dosage of aminophylline needed. Patients COPD are managed with expectorants, not antitussives. Annual influenza vaccine is recommended for all patients with lung disease. The patient should experience increased benefits from inhaler use following smoking cessation.

For which of these reasons is it particularly important for older adults to receive influenza immunizations?

They are more susceptible to upper respiratory infections. Rationale: The elderly tend to have a weaker immune system so it is important for them to receive an influenza immunization to help protect them from developing this infection, which can lead to secondary infections.

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a prescription for cisplatin IV to treat lung cancer. Which of the following client findings is an adverse effect of this medication?

Tinnitus

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has cystic fibrosis and a prescription for daily chest physiotherapy. The nurse should instruct the client that which of the following is the purpose of these treatments?

To mobilize recreations in the airway

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about pulmonary function tests. Which of the following tests measures the volume of air the lungs can hold at the end of maximum inhalation?

Total lung capacity

A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching with a client who has emphysema. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Try to drink at least 2 to 3 liters of fluid per day

A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching about improving gas exchange with a client who has emphysema. Which of the following pieces of information should the nurse include in the teaching?

Use pursed lip breathing during periods of dyspnea

What structure allows for gas exchange with the pulmonary capillaries during respiration?

alveoli rationale: Alveoli are tiny air sacs covered with a permeable membrane that come into contact with the pulmonary arterioles and venules; oxygen passes into the blood and carbon dioxide passes from the blood into the alveoli. The trachea and bronchi are air passageways, but no gas exchange occurs in these structures. The entire process occurs in the lungs.

To defend against exposure to foreign particles, the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract contains tiny, hairlike projections. What are these called?

cilia rationale: Cilia are the hairlike projections that catch foreign particles before these particles advance farther into the respiratory tract and cause infection. Alveoli are tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs. Surfactant is a substance that decreases surface tension. Chemoreceptors detect changes in the blood that reflect gas exchange.

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has metabolic alkalosis. Which of the following lab values should the nurse expect?

pH. 7.49, HCO3- 32 mEq/L PaCO2 40 mmHg