The nurse is analyzing an arterial blood gas of pH, 7.29; PCO2, 30; and HCO3, 20. What result should the nurse document for this blood gas?
a. Fully compensated respiratory acidosis
b. Partially compensated respiratory acidosis
c. Fully compensated metabolic acidosis
d. Partially compensated metabolic acidosis
ANS: D
When the fundamental acid–base ratio is altered for any reason, the body attempts to correct the deviation. In a simple disturbance, a single primary factor affects one component of the acid–base pair and is usually accompanied by a compensatory or secondary change in the component that is not primarily affected. In metabolic acidosis, the pH is low (?6?7.35), and the HCO3 is low (?6?22). When the pH is restored to normal, the disturbance is described as compensated. It is partially compensated because the pH remains abnormal, but the PCO2 is low (?6?35), indicating an attempt at compensation.
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During a home visit the nurse learns that an older patient with hypertension takes prescribed medications only when feeling tense. What instruction should the nurse provide to the patient?
1. Contact the physician for a change in blood pressure medication. 2. Continue to administer the blood pressure medication as needed. 3. Teach to take the blood pressure medication as prescribed regardless of feeling tense. 4. Instruct to take a double dose of the medication for one day then resume the normal schedule.
The nurse is managing a donor patient six hours prior to the scheduled harvesting of the patient's organs. Which assessment finding requires immediate action by the nurse?
a. Morning serum blood glucose of 128 mg/dL b. pH 7.30; PaCO2 38 mm Hg; HCO3 16 mEq/L c. Pulmonary artery temperature of 97.8° F d. Central venous pressure of 8 mm Hg
6.777 + 8 + 31.82 = ______________
Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
Which of the following occurs in respiratory distress?
A) Speaking in sentences of 10–20 words B) Skin between the ribs moves inward with inspiration C) Neck muscles are relaxed D) Patient torso leans posteriorly