NCLEX-RN Prep U Acid-Base balance

A client has vomited several times over the past 12 hours. The nurse should recognize the risk of what complication?

Metabolic alkalosis Vomiting results in loss of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and potassium from the stomach, leading to a reduction of chlorides and potassium in the blood and to metabolic alkalosis.

As status asthmaticus worsens, the nurse would expect the client to experience which acid-base imbalance?

Respiratory acidosis As status asthmaticus worsens, the PaCO increases and the pH decreases, reflecting respiratory acidosis.

A nurse is reviewing a client's arterial blood gas (ABG) report. Which ABG value reflects the acid concentration in the client's blood?

pH The pH value in an ABG report reflects the acid concentration in the blood. The partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) value indicates the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood; the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) value represents the amount of carbon dioxide dissolved in the blood. The bicarbonate (HCO3-) value indicates the amount of bicarbonate, or base, in the blood.

A client with a longstanding diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder presents to the emergency room. The triage nurse notes upon assessment that the patient is hyperventilating. The triage nurse is aware that hyperventilation is the most common cause of:

respiratory alkalosis The most common cause of acute respiratory alkalosis is hyperventilation. Extreme anxiety can lead to hyperventilation, which does not cause metabolic acidosis. Acute CNS disturbances result from multiple potential causes. Increased carbon dioxide levels are associated with acidosis, not alkalosis.

The nurse is admitting a client with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus and left-sided heart failure. Assessment reveals low blood pressure, increased respiratory rate and depth, drowsiness, and confusion. The client reports headache and nausea. Based on the serum laboratory results below, how would the nurse interpret the client's acid-base balance?

Metabolic acidosis. This client has metabolic acidosis, which typically manifests with a low pH, low bicarbonate level, normal to low PaCO2, and normal PaO2. The client's serum electrolyte levels also support metabolic acidosis, which include an elevated potassium level, normal to elevated chloride level, and normal calcium level. The client's anion gap of 30 mEq/L is high, also indicative of metabolic acidosis. This kind of metabolic acidosis occurs with diabetic ketoacidosis and other disorders.

The nurse is caring for a client admitted with pyloric stenosis. A nasogastric tube placed upon admission is on low intermittent suction. Upon review of the morning's blood work, the nurse observes that the patient's potassium is below reference range. The nurse should recognize that the patient may be at risk for what imbalance?

Metabolic alkalosis Probably the most common cause of metabolic alkalosis is vomiting or gastric suction with loss of hydrogen and chloride ions. The disorder also occurs in pyloric stenosis in which only gastric fluid is lost. Vomiting, gastric suction, and pyloric stenosis all remove potassium and can cause hypokalemia. This client would not be at risk for hypercalcemia; hyperparathyroidism and cancer account for almost all cases of hypercalcemia. The nasogastric tube is removing stomach acid and will likely raise pH. Respiratory acidosis is unlikely since no change was reported in the client's respiratory status.

A client recovering from an acute asthma attack experiences respiratory alkalosis. The nurse measures a respiratory rate of 46 breaths/minute, a heart rate of 110 beats/minute, a blood pressure of 162/90 mm Hg, and a temperature of 98.6° F (37° C). To help correct respiratory alkalosis, the nurse should:

instruct the client to breathe into a paper bag. A client recovering from an acute asthma attack who experiences respiratory alkalosis should breathe into a paper bag to increase arterial carbon dioxide tension and ease anxiety (which may exacerbate the alkalosis). An NG tube would be indicated for a client with metabolic alkalosis secondary to ingestion of toxic substances; there is no reason to believe that this has occurred. Fever may cause metabolic (not respiratory) alkalosis and would be treated with acetaminophen. A client with sepsis also may have metabolic alkalosis and probably would receive antibiotics; however, this clinical situation doesn't suggest sepsis.

A client presents to the emergency department, reporting that he has been vomiting every 30 to 40 minutes for the past 8 hours. Frequent vomiting puts this client at risk for which imbalances?

Metabolic alkalosis and hypokalemia Gastric acid contains large amounts of potassium, chloride, and hydrogen ions. Excessive vomiting causes loss of these substances, which can lead to metabolic alkalosis and hypokalemia. Excessive vomiting doesn't cause metabolic acidosis or hyperkalemia.

A client with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is showing signs of increased dyspnea. The nurse reviews a report of blood gas values that recently arrived (see accompanying figure). Which finding is abnormal?

PaCO2 The normal range for PaCO2 is 35 to 45 mm Hg (4.7 to 6 kPa). Thus, this client's PaCO2 level is low. The client is experiencing respiratory alkalosis (carbonic acid deficit) due to hyperventilation. The nurse should report this finding to the health care provider (HCP) because it requires intervention. The increase in ventilation decreases the PaCO2 level, which leads to decreased carbonic acid and alkalosis. The bicarbonate level is normal in uncompensated respiratory alkalosis along with the normal PaO2 level. Normal serum pH is 7.35 to 7.45; in uncompensated respiratory alkalosis, the serum pH is greater than 7.45.

As status asthmaticus worsens, the nurse would expect which acid-base imbalance?

Respiratory acidosis As staticus asthmaticus worsens, the PaCO2 increases and the pH decreases, reflecting respiratory acidosis.

A client has a dull headache, is dizzy, and has an increased pulse rate. The results of arterial blood gas analysis are as follows: pH 7.26; partial pressure of carbon dioxide, 50 mm Hg (6.7 kPa); and bicarbonate, 24 mEq/L (24 mmol/L). These findings indicate which acid-base imbalance?

respiratory acidosis The pH of 7.26 indicates that the body is in a state of acidosis. The elevated partial pressure of carbon dioxide value accompanied by a normal bicarbonate value indicates that the acid-base imbalance is respiratory acidosis. The additional clinical findings of headache, dizziness, and increased pulse rate, resulting from the elevated partial pressure of carbon dioxide, further support this diagnosis.

A neonate weighing 1,870 g with a respiratory rate of 46 breaths/minute, a pulse rate of 175 bpm, and a serum pH of 7.11 has received sodium bicarbonate intravenously. The drug has been effective if the neonate:

does not go into metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis results from the metabolic changes associated with cold stress. End products of metabolism increase the acidity of the blood, evidenced by a pH of 7.11. Therefore, sodium bicarbonate, which is a buffer base, is often used. Diuretics, not sodium bicarbonate, would be used to combat edema. Intravenous fluids would be used to treat dehydration. Respiratory alkalosis results from excessive carbon dioxide loss, a condition that would be unusual in this neonate. Additionally, because sodium bicarbonate is a base, administering it to client with alkalosis would only further exacerbate the alkalotic condition.

When evaluating a client's arterial blood gases (ABGs), which value is consistent with metabolic alkalosis?

pH 7.48 Metabolic alkalosis is a clinical disturbance characterized by a high pH and high plasma bicarbonate concentration. The HCO3 value is below normal. The PaCO2 value and the oxygen saturation level are within a normal range.

Before weaning a client from a ventilator, which assessment parameter is the most important for the nurse to obtain?

Baseline arterial blood gas (ABG) levels Before weaning the client from mechanical ventilation, it's most important to have baseline ABG levels. During the weaning process, ABG levels will be checked to assess how the client is tolerating the procedure. Other assessment parameters are less critical. Measuring fluid volume intake and output is always important when a client is being mechanically ventilated. Prior attempts at weaning and ECG results are documented on the client's record, and the nurse can refer to them before the weaning process begins.

A client has been admitted to the hospital for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis, a problem that was accompanied by a random blood glucose reading of 31.9 mmol/L (575 mg/dL), vomiting, and shortness of breath. This client has experienced which of the following phenomena?

Exacerbation This client has experienced a significant exacerbation of his chronic disease (diabetes mellitus), which has manifested as an acute threat to his health. Morbidity is an epidemiological statistic of the frequency of a disease. His problem does not have an infectious etiology and while risk factors underlie his present condition, they are not the essence of his current state.

To confirm an acid-base imbalance, it is necessary to assess which findings from the results of a client's arterial blood gas (ABG) results? Select all that apply.

- pH - PaCO2 - HCO3 Arterial blood gas (ABG) results are the main tool for measuring blood pH, CO2 content (PaCO2), and bicarbonate (HCO3). The two types of acid-base imbalances are acidosis and alkalosis.

A client with emphysema is at a greater risk for developing what acid-base imbalance?

Chronic respiratory acidosis Respiratory acidosis, which may be either acute or chronic, is caused by excess carbonic acid, which causes the blood pH to drop below 7.35. Chronic respiratory acidosis is associated with disorders such as emphysema, bronchiectasis, bronchial asthma, and cystic fibrosis.

Which intervention is most appropriate for a client with an arterial blood gas (ABG) of pH 7.5, a partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) of 26 mm Hg, oxygen (O2) saturation of 96%, bicarbonate (HCO3-) of 24 mEq/L, and a PaO2 of 94 mm Hg?

Instruct the client to breathe into a paper bag. The ABG results reveal respiratory alkalosis. The best intervention to raise the PaCO2 level would be to have the client breathe into a paper bag. Administering a decongestant, offering fluids frequently, and administering supplemental oxygen wouldn't raise the lowered PaCO2 level.

A client hospitalized for treatment of a pulmonary embolism develops respiratory alkalosis. Which clinical findings commonly accompany respiratory alkalosis?

Light-headedness or paresthesia The client with respiratory alkalosis may complain of light-headedness or paresthesia (numbness and tingling in the arms and legs). Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea may accompany respiratory acidosis. Hallucinations and tinnitus rarely are associated with respiratory alkalosis or any other acid-base imbalance.

The nurse is caring for a client with multiple organ failure who is in metabolic acidosis. Which pair of organs is responsible for regulatory processes and compensation?

Lungs and kidneys The lungs and kidneys facilitate the ratio of bicarbonate to carbonic acid. Carbon dioxide is one of the components of carbonic acid. The lungs regulate carbonic acid levels by releasing or conserving CO2 by increasing or decreasing the respiratory rate. The kidneys assist in acid-base balance by retaining or excreting bicarbonate ions.

The nurse is caring for a client with severe diarrhea. The nurse recognizes that the client is at risk for developing which of the following acid-base imbalances?

Metabolic acidosis The client is at risk for developing metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis is caused by diarrhea, lower intestinal fistulas, ureterostomies, and use of diuretics; early renal insufficiency; excessive administration of chloride; and the administration of parenteral nutrition without bicarbonate or bicarbonate-producing solutes (e.g., lactate).

A client with a suspected overdose of an unknown drug is admitted to the emergency department. Arterial blood gas values indicate respiratory acidosis. What should the nurse do first?

Prepare to assist with ventilation. Respiratory acidosis is associated with hypoventilation; in this client, hypoventilation suggests intake of a drug that has suppressed the brain's respiratory center. Therefore, the nurse should assume the client has respiratory depression and should prepare to assist with ventilation. After the client's respiratory function has been stabilized, the nurse can safely monitor the heart rhythm, prepare for gastric lavage, and obtain a urine specimen for drug screening.

A client has the following arterial blood gas values: pH, 7.52; PaO2, 50 mm Hg (6.7 kPa); PaCO2, 28 mm Hg (3.72 kPa); HCO3-, 24 mEq/L (24 mmol/L). Based upon the client's PaO2, which conclusion would be accurate?

`The client is severely hypoxic. Normal PaO2 level ranges from 80 to 100 mm Hg (10.6 to 13.3 kPa). When the PaO2 value falls to 50 mm Hg (6.7 kPa), the nurse should be alert for signs of hypoxia and impending respiratory failure. An oxygen level this low poses a severe risk for respiratory failure. The PaO2 is not within normal range. The client will require oxygenation at a concentration that maintains the PaO2 at 55 to 60 mm Hg or more (7.3 to 8 kPa).

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and experiencing respiratory acidosis. The decrease in pH exists because the client's lungs:

are not able to blow off carbon dioxide. In clients with chronic respiratory acidosis, the client is unable to blow off carbon dioxide leaving in increased amount of hydrogen in the system. The increase in hydrogen ions leads to acidosis. In COPD, the client is able to breathe in oxygen and gas exchange can occur, but the lungs' ability to remove carbon dioxide from the system is compromised. Although individuals with COPD frequently have a history of smoking, impaired ciliary function is not the cause of the acidosis.

A nurse is reviewing a report of a client's routine urinalysis. Which value requires further investigation?

Urine pH of 3.0 Normal urine pH is 4.5 to 8; therefore, a urine pH of 3.0 is abnormal and requires further investigation. Urine specific gravity normally ranges from 1.002 to 1.035, making this client's value normal. Normally, urine contains no protein, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, bacteria, casts, or crystals. Red blood cells should measure 0 to 3 per high-power field; white blood cells, 0 to 4 per high-power field. Urine should be clear, with color ranging from pale yellow to deep amber.

A nurse preceptor is working with a student nurse who is administering medications. Which statement by the student indicates an understanding of the action of an antacid?

"The action occurs in the stomach by increasing the pH of the stomach contents and decreasing pepsin activity." The action of an antacid occurs in the stomach. The anions of an antacid combine with the acidic hydrogen cations secreted by the stomach to form water, thereby increasing the pH of the stomach contents. Increasing the pH and decreasing the pepsin activity provide symptomatic relief from peptic ulcer disease. Antacids don't work in the large or small intestine or in the esophagus.

A nurse teaches a client experiencing heartburn to take 1.5 oz of aluminum hydroxide when symptoms appear. How many milliliters should the client take? Record your answer using a whole number.

45 1 oz = 30 mL. (1 oz/1.5 oz) = (30 mL/x). x = (1.5 X 30) mL. x = 45 mL.

The nurse is concerned about the risks of hypoxemia and metabolic acidosis in a client who is in shock. What finding should the analyze for evidence of hypoxemia and metabolic acidosis in a client with shock?

Arterial blood gas (ABG) findings Analysis of ABG findings is essential for evidence of hypoxemia and metabolic acidosis. Low RBCs and hemoglobin correlate with hypovolemic shock and can lead to poor oxygenation. An elevated white blood cell count supports septic shock. Oxygen saturation levels are usually affected by hypoxemia but cannot be used to diagnose acid-base imbalances such as metabolic acidosis.

On admission, a client has the following arterial blood gas (ABG) values: PaO2, 50 mm Hg; PaCO2, 70 mm Hg; pH, 7.20; HCO3-, 28 mEq/L. Based on these values, the nurse should prioritize which nursing diagnosis for this client?

Impaired gas exchange The client's below-normal value for the partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) and an above-normal value for the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) support the nursing diagnosis of Impaired gas exchange. ABG values can't indicate a diagnosis of Ineffective airway clearance (or excess) or Risk for deficient fluid volume. Metabolic acidosis is a medical, not nursing, diagnosis; in any event, these ABG values indicate respiratory, not metabolic, acidosis.

A client's arterial blood gas values are as shown on the accompanying chart. These findings indicate which of the following acid-base imbalances?

Metabolic acidosis. The pH of 7.24 indicates that the client is acidotic. The carbon dioxide level is normal, but the HCO3- level is decreased. These findings indicate that the client is in metabolic acidosis.

An adolescent is admitted for treatment of bulimia nervosa. When developing the care plan, the nurse anticipates including interventions that address which metabolic disorder?

Metabolic alkalosis In a client with bulimia nervosa, metabolic alkalosis may occur secondary to hydrogen loss caused by frequent, self-induced vomiting. Typically, the blood glucose level is within normal limits, making hypoglycemia unlikely. In bulimia nervosa, hypokalemia is more common than hyperkalemia and typically results from potassium loss related to frequent vomiting.

A client has been diagnosed with an intestinal obstruction and has a nasogastric tube set to low continuous suction. Which acid-base disturbance is this client at risk for developing?

Metabolic alkalosis Metabolic alkalosis is a clinical disturbance characterized by a high pH and a high plasma biacarbonate concentration. The most common cuase of metabolic alkalosis is vomiting or gastric suction with loss of hydrogen and choloride ions. Gastric fluid has an acid pH, and loss of this acidic fluid increases the alkalinity of body fluids.

A nurse is caring for a 12-month-old infant with dehydration with resulting metabolic acidosis. The infant exhibits lethargy and poor skin turgor. Which of the following actions by the nurse takes priority?

Obtaining a patent intravenous site The nurse's priority is to correct the dehydration by first obtaining a patent IV line for the administration of fluids and medications. Obtaining a blood sample for a white blood count and blood cultures and a urine sample will not change the outcome of the need for fluid and electrolyte correction.

A client's arterial blood gas analysis reveals an excess of carbon dioxide. The nurse should recognize that this is consistent with which of the following?

Respiratory acidosis An increased level of dissolved carbon dioxide (PaCO2) indicates respiratory acidosis. Metabolic acidosis and alkalosis are not correct because this is a respiratory issue, not a metabolic one. Respiratory alkalosis would have a PaCO2 deficit, not an increase.

An adolescent child assessed by the nurse is found to have extreme lethargy, retractions of the intercostal spaces, a persistent expiratory wheeze, diminished breath sounds, tachycardia, and tachypnea. Arterial blood gas results are as follows: pH 7.10; PCO2 80; PO2 35, HCO3 29. What is the priority problem the nurse must address immediately?

Respiratory acidosis Based on the results of these blood gases, this client is in respiratory acidosis. The nurse must address this quickly as it could lead to respiratory failure.

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), decreased carbon dioxide elimination results in increased carbon dioxide tension in arterial blood, leading to what acid-base imbalance?

Respiratory acidosis Increased carbon dioxide tension in arterial blood leads to respiratory acidosis and chronic respiratory failure. In acute illness, worsening hypercapnia can lead to acute respiratory failure. The other acid-base imbalances would not correlate with COPD.

A client comes to the emergency department with status asthmaticus. His respiratory rate is 48 breaths/minute, and he is wheezing. An arterial blood gas analysis reveals a pH of 7.52, a partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) of 30 mm Hg, PaO2 of 70 mm Hg, and bicarbonate (HCO3--) of 26 mEq/L. What disorder is indicated by these findings?

Respiratory alkalosis Respiratory alkalosis results from alveolar hyperventilation. It's marked by a decrease in PaCO2 to less than 35 mm Hg and an increase in blood pH over 7.45. Metabolic acidosis is marked by a decrease in HCO3-- to less than 22 mEq/L, and a decrease in blood pH to less than 7.35. In respiratory acidosis, the pH is less than 7.35 and the PaCO2 is greater than 45 mm Hg. In metabolic alkalosis, the HCO3-- is greater than 26 mEq/L and the pH is greater than 7.45.

A client with a diagnosis of respiratory acidosis is experiencing renal compensation. What function does the kidney perform to assist in restoring acid-base balance?

Returning bicarbonate to the body's circulation The kidney performs two major functions to assist in acid-base balance. The first is to reabsorb and return to the body's circulation any bicarbonate from the urinary filtrate; the second is to excrete acid in the urine. Retaining bicarbonate will counteract an acidotic state. The nephrons do not sequester free hydrogen ions.

The nurse is caring for a lethargic 4-year-old who is a victim of a near-drowning accident. The nurse should first:

administer oxygen. Near-drowning victims typically suffer hypoxia and mixed acidosis. The priority is to restore oxygenation and prevent further hypoxia. Here, the client has blunted sensorium, but is not unconscious; therefore, delivery of supplemental oxygen with a mask is appropriate. Warming protocols and fluid resuscitation will most likely be needed to help correct acidosis, but these interventions are secondary to oxygen administration. Intubation is required if the child is comatose, shows signs of airway compromise, or does not respond adequately to more conservative therapies.

A recently extubated client has shortness of breath. The nurse reports the client's discomfort and the results of the recently prescribed arterial blood gas analysis to the health care provider (HCP). After reviewing the report of the complete blood count (see report), the nurse should also report which results to the HCP?

hemoglobin and hematocrit The nurse should review the CBC with differential to evaluate the client's hemoglobin and hematocrit, which are abnormal and should be reported to the HCP. Anemia leads to decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. A client unable to compensate for the anemia may experience a profound sense of dyspnea. There has been a significant drop in the hemoglobin and hematocrit since the previous report, and these should be reported to the HCP. The monocytes are within normal range. HA1c is a laboratory test evaluating glycosylated hemoglobin and is in the normal range. This test is used to diagnose diabetes and/or monitor diabetic glucose control over time. PT is a coagulation study reflecting liver function and clotting time and is in the normal range.

For the child experiencing excessive vomiting secondary to pyloric stenosis, the nurse should assess the child for which acid-base imbalance?

metabolic alkalosis Metabolic alkalosis occurs because of the excessive loss of potassium, hydrogen, and chloride in the vomitus. Chloride loss leads to a compensatory increase in the number of bicarbonate ions. The bicarbonate side of the carbonic acid-base bicarbonate increases, and the pH becomes more alkaline. Respiratory alkalosis is caused by conditions such as hyperventilation that result in loss of partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2). Respiratory acidosis is caused by conditions such as inadequate ventilation that result in excessive retention of PaCO2. Metabolic acidosis results from the loss of large amounts of bicarbonate, such as with severe diarrhea.

A client admitted with acute anxiety has the following arterial blood gas (ABG) values: pH, 7.55; partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2), 90 mm Hg; partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2), 27 mm Hg; and bicarbonate (HCO3-), 24 mEq/L. Based on these values, the nurse suspects:

respiratory alkalosis. This client's above-normal pH value indicates alkalosis. The below-normal PaCO2 value indicates acid loss via hyperventilation; this type of acid loss occurs only in respiratory alkalosis. These ABG values wouldn't occur in metabolic acidosis, respiratory acidosis, or metabolic alkalosis.

A client is taking metformin. To prevent lactic acidosis resulting from use of this drug, the nurse should instruct the client to report which symptoms? Select all that apply.

- muscle discomfort - hyperventilation - dizziness There is a high risk of lactic acidosis when using metformin; 50% of the cases may be fatal. A black box warning for metformin is to instruct the client to stop the drug and immediately notify the prescriber about unexplained hyperventilation, muscle pain, malaise, dizziness, light-headedness, unusual sleepiness, unexplained stomach pain, feelings of coldness, slow or irregular heart rate, or other nonspecific symptoms of early lactic acidosis. Headache, hunger, and tingling in the fingertips are not signs of lactic acidosis.

A nurse is reviewing arterial blood gas results on an assigned client. The pH is 7.32 with PCO2 of 49 mm Hg and a HCO3−of 28 mEq/L. The nurse reports to the physician which finding?

Respiratory acidosis Respiratory acidosis would be reported to the physician citing the lab values. Analysis of the blood gases reveals that the client is acidotic with a pH under 7.35. Also noted is the PCO2above the normal range of 30 to 40 mm Hg. The HCO3− is slightly elevated because the normal level is 22 to 26 mEq/L.

A client has the following arterial blood gas values: pH, 7.30; PaO2, 89 mm Hg; PaCO2, 50 mm Hg; and HCO3-, 26 mEq/L. Based on these values, the nurse should suspect which condition?

Respiratory acidosis This client has a below-normal (acidic) blood pH value and an above-normal partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) value, indicating respiratory acidosis. In respiratory alkalosis, the pH value is above normal and the PaCO2 value is below normal. In metabolic acidosis, the pH and bicarbonate (HCO3-) values are below normal. In metabolic alkalosis, the pH and HCO3- values are above normal.

A client has been diagnosed with metabolic alkalosis. The nurse should anticipate what finding from the client's arterial blood gases?

Serum bicarbonate of 28 mEq/L

A client's arterial blood gas values are shown. The nurse should monitor the client for:

metabolic acidosis The pH of 7.24 indicates that the client is acidotic. The carbon dioxide level is normal, but the HCO3- level is decreased. These findings indicate that the client is in metabolic acidosis.

A client has the following arterial blood gas (ABG) values: pH, 7.12; partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2), 40 mm Hg; and bicarbonate (HCO3-), 15 mEq/L. These ABG values suggest which disorder?

Metabolic acidosis This client's pH value is below normal, indicating acidosis. The HCO3- value also is below normal, reflecting an overwhelming accumulation of acids or excessive loss of base, which suggests metabolic acidosis. The PaCO2 value is normal, indicating absence of respiratory compensation. These ABG values eliminate respiratory alkalosis, respiratory acidosis, and metabolic alkalosis.

A nurse is caring for a 3-year-old client with a neuroblastoma who has been receiving chemotherapy for the last 4 weeks. His laboratory test results indicate a Hgb of 12.5 g/dL (125 g/L), HCT of 36.8% (0.37), WBC of 2000 mm3 (2 X 109/L), and platelet count of 150,000/μL (150 X 109/L). Based on the child's values, what is the highest priority nursing intervention?

Encourage meticulous handwashing by the client and visitors. A WBC of 2000 mm3 (2 X 109/L) is low and increases the child's risk for infection. Meticulous handwashing is a standard/routine precaution and the first line of defense in combating infection. A platelet count of 150,000 ?L (150 X 109/L) is within normal range, so there is no need to transfuse the child with platelets. Mouth care will help decrease the risk of infection. However, handwashing is the priority because it will have the greatest effects on diminishing the risk of infection. A Hgb of 12.5 g/dL (125 g/L) and a HCT of 36.8% (0.37) are within normal range so there is no need to transfuse packed red blood cells.

A client is admitted to the psychiatric clinic for treatment of anorexia nervosa. At the beginning of the client's hospitalization, the most important nursing action is to:

monitor the client's vital signs, serum electrolyte levels, and acid-base balance. An anorexic client who requires hospitalization is in poor physical condition as a result of starvation and may die as a result of arrhythmias, hypothermia, malnutrition, infection, or cardiac abnormalities secondary to electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, monitoring the client's vital signs, serum electrolyte level, and acid-base balance is crucial. Restricting the client's physical activities may worsen anxiety. A weight obtained after breakfast is more accurate than one obtained after the evening meal. Instructing the client to keep a record of food and fluid intake would reward the client with attention for not eating and would reinforce the control issues that are central to the underlying psychological problem; also, the client might record food and fluid intake inaccurately.

The nurse on a surgical unit is caring for a client recovering from recent surgery with the placement of a nasogastric tube to low continuous suction Which acid-base imbalance is most likely to occur?

Metabolic alkalosis Metabolic alkalosis results in increased plasma pH because of an accumulated base bicarbonate or decreased hydrogen ion concentration. Factors that increase base bicarbonate include excessive oral or parenteral use of bicarbonate-containing drugs, a rapid decrease in extracellular fluid volume and loss of hydrogen and chloride ions as with gastric suctioning. Acidotic states are from excess carbonic acid and hydrogen ions in the system. Respiratory alkalosis results from a carbonic acid deficit that occurs when rapid breathing releases more CO2 than necessary.

Before seeing a newly assigned client with respiratory alkalosis, a nurse quickly reviews the client's medical history. Which condition is a predisposing factor for respiratory alkalosis?

Extreme anxiety Extreme anxiety may lead to respiratory alkalosis by causing hyperventilation, which results in excessive carbon dioxide (CO2) loss. Other conditions that may set the stage for respiratory alkalosis include fever, heart failure, injury to the brain's respiratory center, overventilation with a mechanical ventilator, pulmonary embolism, and early salicylate intoxication. Type 1 diabetes may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis; the deep, rapid respirations occurring in this disorder (Kussmaul's respirations) don't cause excessive CO2 loss. Myasthenia gravis and opioid overdose suppress the respiratory drive, causing CO2 retention, not CO2 loss; this may lead to respiratory acidosis, not alkalosis.

The emergency department (ED) nurse is caring for a client with a possible acid-base imbalance. The physician has ordered an arterial blood gas (ABG). What is one of the most important indications of an acid-base imbalance that is shown in an ABG?

Bicarbonate Arterial blood gas (ABG) results are the main tool for measuring blood pH, CO2 content (PaCO2), and bicarbonate. An acid-base imbalance may accompany a fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Carbonic acid, lactate and nitrogen levels are not shown in an ABG.

A client appears flushed and has shallow respirations. The arterial blood gas report shows the following: pH, 7.24; partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2), 49 mm Hg (6.5 kPa); bicarbonate (HCO3-), 24 mEq/L (24 mmol/L). These findings are indicative of which acid-base imbalance?

respiratory acidosis The pH of 7.24 indicates that the client is acidotic. The PaCO2 value of 49 mm Hg is elevated. The HCO3- value of 24 mEq/L is normal. The client is in uncompensated respiratory acidosis. Hypoventilation and a flushed appearance are additional clinical manifestations of respiratory acidosis.

A client with diabetes mellitus who is in labor tells the nurse she has had trouble controlling her blood glucose level recently. She says she didn't take her insulin when the contractions began because she felt nauseated; about an hour later, when she felt better, she ate some soup and crackers but didn't take insulin. Now, she reports increased nausea and a flushed feeling. The nurse notes a fruity odor to her breath. What do these findings suggest?

Diabetic ketoacidosis Signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include nausea and vomiting, a fruity or acetone breath odor, signs of dehydration (such as flushed, dry skin), hyperglycemia, ketonuria, hypotension, deep and rapid respirations, and a decreased level of consciousness. In contrast, hypoglycemia causes sweating, tremors, palpitations, and behavioral changes. Infection causes a fever. Transition to the active phase of labor is signaled by cervical dilation of up to 7 cm and contractions every 2 to 5 minutes.

Oxygen at the rate of 2 liters per minute through nasal cannula is prescribed for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following statements best describes why the oxygen therapy is maintained at a relatively low concentration?

The client's respiratory center is so used to high carbon dioxide and low oxygen levels that changing these levels may eliminate his stimulus for breathing. Relatively low concentrations of oxygen are administered to clients with COPD so as not to eliminate their respiratory drive. Carbon dioxide content in the blood normally regulates respirations. Clients with COPD, though, are often accustomed to high carbon dioxide levels; the low oxygen blood level is their stimulus to breathe. If they receive excessive oxygen and experience a drop in the blood carbon dioxide level, they may stop breathing. Oxygen flow rate is not diminished at high levels when administered through a nasal cannula. The client's ability to absorb oxygen administered at a higher level is not affected. Increased oxygen levels and decreased carbon dioxide levels cannot cause cells to burst.