ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Anxiety-induced hyperventilation. The arterial blood gas values show a pH of 7.48 (alkalosis) with low PaCO2 (respiratory alkalosis), which is consistent with hyperventilation due to anxiety. HCO3 is within normal range, ruling out metabolic causes. A: Diarrhea and vomiting would lead to metabolic acidosis with low pH and decreased HCO3. C: COPD would typically present with respiratory acidosis (high PaCO2) and normal to high HCO3. D: Diabetic ketoacidosis and emphysema would show metabolic acidosis with low pH and low HCO3.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Mixed acid-base disorder. The ABG results show a pH within the acidic range (7.28), indicating acidosis. The PaCO2 is elevated (50 mm Hg), suggesting respiratory acidosis as the primary disorder. However, the HCO3 level is within normal range (23 mEq/L), which is not consistent with compensatory metabolic alkalosis. Therefore, the presence of both respiratory acidosis and normal HCO3 levels indicates a mixed acid-base disorder. Choice A (Respiratory acidosis) is incorrect because although the patient has an elevated PaCO2, the normal HCO3 level rules out a pure respiratory acidosis. Choice B (Metabolic alkalosis) and C (Respiratory alkalosis) are incorrect as the ABG results do not support these diagnoses.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Client with pancreatitis who has continuous nasogastric suctioning. Pancreatitis can lead to gastrointestinal losses of potassium, and continuous nasogastric suctioning can further exacerbate this potassium loss, putting the client at risk for hypokalemia. The other choices are incorrect because: B: ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia. C: Blood transfusions can lead to hyperkalemia due to the potassium content in blood products. D: Uncontrolled diabetes and a serum pH level of 7.33 are not directly associated with hypokalemia.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A cool lower extremity can indicate impaired circulation due to the intraosseous catheter placement, leading to compartment syndrome or tissue necrosis. This finding requires immediate intervention to prevent serious complications. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the duration of catheter placement, poor vascular access, and the specific location of the catheter do not directly impact circulation and tissue perfusion as significantly as a cool lower extremity.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased rate and depth of respirations. In this case, the client's arterial blood gas values show a pH within normal range (7.36), PaCO2 below normal (33 mm Hg), and HCO3 below normal (18 mEq/L), indicating a metabolic acidosis. To compensate for the acidosis, the client will hyperventilate, leading to increased rate and depth of respirations to blow off excess CO2 and attempt to normalize the pH. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because increased urinary output, thirst, hunger, and release of acids from the kidneys are not direct compensatory mechanisms for metabolic acidosis.