Chapter 12: Assessment and Care of Patients with Acid-Base Imbalances
A nurse assesses a client with diabetes mellitus who is admitted with an acid-base imbalance. The clients arterial blood gas values are pH 7.36, PaO2 98 mm Hg, PaCO2 33 mm Hg, and HCO3 18 mEq/L. Which manifestation should the nurse identify as an example of the clients compensation mechanism?
Increased rate and depth of respirations
A nurse assesses a client who is experiencing an acid-base imbalance. The clients arterial blood gas values are pH 7.34, PaO2 88 mm Hg, PaCO2 38 mm Hg, and HCO3 19 mEq/L. Which assessment should the nurse perform first?
Cardiac rate and rhythm
A nurse assesses a client who is prescribed furosemide (Lasix) for hypertension. For which acid-base imbalance should the nurse assess to prevent complications of this therapy?
Metabolic alkalosis
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing moderate metabolic alkalosis. Which action should the nurse take?
Teach the client fall prevention measures.
A nurse is assessing a client who has acute pancreatitis and is at risk for an acid-base imbalance. For which manifestation of this acid-base imbalance should the nurse assess?
Kussmaul respirations
A nurse assesses a client who is admitted with an acid-base imbalance. The clients arterial blood gas values are pH 7.32, PaO2 85 mm Hg, PaCO2 34 mm Hg, and HCO3 16 mEq/L. What action should the nurse take next?
Assess clients rate, rhythm, and depth of respiration.
A nurse is caring for a client who has the following arterial blood values: pH 7.12, PaO2 56 mm Hg, PaCO2 65 mm Hg, and HCO3 22 mEq/L. Which clinical situation should the nurse correlate with these values?
Bronchial obstruction related to aspiration of a hot dog
A nurse is caring for a client who has just experienced a 90-second tonic-clonic seizure. The clients arterial blood gas values are pH 6.88, PaO2 50 mm Hg, PaCO2 60 mm Hg, and HCO3 22 mEq/L. Which action should the nurse take first?
Apply oxygen by mask or nasal cannula.
After teaching a client who was malnourished and is being discharged, a nurse assesses the clients understanding. Which statement indicates the client correctly understood teaching to decrease risk for the development of metabolic acidosis?
I will eat three well-balanced meals and a snack daily.
A nurse evaluates the following arterial blood gas values in a client: pH 7.48, PaO2 98 mm Hg, PaCO2 28 mm Hg, and HCO3 22 mEq/L. Which client condition should the nurse correlate with these results?
Anxiety-induced hyperventilation
After providing discharge teaching, a nurse assesses the clients understanding regarding increased risk for metabolic alkalosis. Which statement indicates the client needs additional teaching?
I take sodium bicarbonate after every meal to prevent heartburn.
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing excessive diarrhea. The clients arterial blood gas values are pH 7.28, PaO2 98 mm Hg, PaCO2 45 mm Hg, and HCO3 16 mEq/L. Which provider order should the nurse expect to receive?
Sodium bicarbonate 100 mEq diluted in 1 L of D5W
A nurse evaluates a clients arterial blood gas values (ABGs): pH 7.30, PaO2 86 mm Hg, PaCO2 55 mm Hg, and HCO3 22 mEq/L. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Assess the airway.
A nurse is planning care for a client who is hyperventilating. The clients arterial blood gas values are pH 7.30, PaO2 94 mm Hg, PaCO2 31 mm Hg, and HCO3 26 mEq/L. Which question should the nurse ask when developing this clients plan of care?
You appear anxious. What is causing your distress?
A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic emphysema and is receiving oxygen therapy at 6 L/min via nasal cannula. The following clinical data are available: Arterial Blood Gases Vital Signs pH = 7.28 Pulse rate = 96 beats/min PaO2 = 85 mm Hg Blood pressure = 135/45 PaCO2 = 55 mm Hg Respiratory rate = 6 breaths/min HCO3 = 26 mEq/L O2 saturation = 88% Which action should the nurse take first?
Notify the Rapid Response Team and provide ventilation support.
A nurse is planning interventions that regulate acid-base balance to ensure the pH of a clients blood remains within the normal range. Which abnormal physiologic functions may occur if the client experiences an acidbase imbalance? (Select all that apply.)
Reduction in the function of hormones
Fluid and electrolyte imbalances
Increase in the effectiveness of many drugs
A nurse assesses a client who is experiencing an acid-base imbalance. The clients arterial blood gas values are pH 7.32, PaO2 94 mm Hg, PaCO2 34 mm Hg, and HCO3 18 mEq/L. For which clinical manifestations should the nurse assess? (Select all that apply.)
Reduced deep tendon reflexes
Drowsiness
Increased respiratory rate
A nurse is assessing clients who are at risk for acid-base imbalance. Which clients are correctly paired with the acid-base imbalance? (Select all that apply.)
Metabolic acidosis Older adult who is following a carbohydrate-free diet
Respiratory alkalosis Client on mechanical ventilation at a rate of 28 breaths/min
Metabolic alkalosis Older client prescribed antacids for gastroesophageal reflux disease
A nurse assesses a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition. For which adverse effects related to an acid-base imbalance should the nurse assess? (Select all that apply.)
Positive Chvosteks sign
Anxiety and irritability
A nurse is planning care for a client who is anxious and irritable. The clients arterial blood gas values are pH 7.30, PaO2 96 mm Hg, PaCO2 43 mm Hg, and HCO3 19 mEq/L. Which questions should the nurse ask the client and spouse when developing the plan of care? (Select all that apply.)
Is your spouses current behavior typical?
Do you drink any alcoholic beverages?