Question 1

In the client with alkalosis,the nurse assesses for which clinical manifestations?

Accepted Answer

The client with alkalosis demonstrates signs of hypocalcemia and decreased heart rate.Many symptoms are the result of low calcium levels (hypocalcemia)and low potassium levels (hypokalemia),which usually occur with alkalosis.These problems change the function of the nervous,neuromuscular,cardiac,and respiratory systems.

Question 2

A client has been NPO after a colectomy with nasogastric (NG)suction in place.On assessment,the nurse finds the client reporting cramps in the calves.Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

The client has a metabolic alkalosis probably caused by prolonged suctioning.The client also is experiencing tetany,caused by the accompanying hypocalcemia,and is at risk for seizures.The priority is to maintain the client's safety; this includes raising the siderails and then notifying the physician.Documentation is important but not as important as providing safety.The nurse would not stop the suction without an order.The client may need lorazepam if he or she has seizures,but this is not the first action the nurse would perform.

Question 3

A client has the following arterial blood gases (ABGs): pH 7.30,HCO₃^- 22 mEq/L,PCO₂ 55 mm Hg,PO₂ 86 mm Hg.Which intervention by the nurse takes priority?

Accepted Answer

All interventions are important for clients with respiratory acidosis; this is indicated by the ABGs.However,the priority is assessing and maintaining an airway.Without a patent airway,other interventions will not be helpful.

Question 4

A client has the following arterial blood gases: pH 7.30,HCO₃^- 17 mEq/L,PCO₂ 25 mm Hg,PO₂ 98 mm Hg.Which intervention by the nurse is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

The client has a partially compensated metabolic acidosis.Interventions are aimed at reducing or eliminating the cause.The nurse needs to assist in determining the cause so that proper interventions can be initiated.Sodium bicarbonate is rarely used for acidosis unless the pH is life threatening,or for specific causes of acidosis wherein bicarbonate deficit is known to be the problem.Simply documenting the findings will not help the client.Because the client's PO₂ is 98 mm Hg,oxygen therapy is not indicated on the basis of these arterial blood gases.

Quiz 14: Assessment and Care of Patients With Acid-Base Imbalances

In the client with alkalosis,the nurse assesses for which clinical manifestations?

A client has been NPO after a colectomy with nasogastric (NG) suction in place.On assessment,the nurse finds the client reporting cramps in the calves.Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

A client has the following arterial blood gases (ABGs) : pH 7.30,HCO₃^- 22 mEq/L,PCO₂ 55 mm Hg,PO₂ 86 mm Hg.Which intervention by the nurse takes priority?

A client has the following arterial blood gases: pH 7.30,HCO₃^- 17 mEq/L,PCO₂ 25 mm Hg,PO₂ 98 mm Hg.Which intervention by the nurse is most appropriate?

Quiz 14: Assessment and Care of Patients With Acid-Base Imbalances

In the client with alkalosis,the nurse assesses for which clinical manifestations?

A client has been NPO after a colectomy with nasogastric (NG) suction in place.On assessment,the nurse finds the client reporting cramps in the calves.Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

A client has the following arterial blood gases (ABGs) : pH 7.30,HCO3- 22 mEq/L,PCO2 55 mm Hg,PO2 86 mm Hg.Which intervention by the nurse takes priority?

A client has the following arterial blood gases: pH 7.30,HCO3- 17 mEq/L,PCO2 25 mm Hg,PO2 98 mm Hg.Which intervention by the nurse is most appropriate?

A client has the following arterial blood gases (ABGs) : pH 7.30,HCO₃^- 22 mEq/L,PCO₂ 55 mm Hg,PO₂ 86 mm Hg.Which intervention by the nurse takes priority?

A client has the following arterial blood gases: pH 7.30,HCO₃^- 17 mEq/L,PCO₂ 25 mm Hg,PO₂ 98 mm Hg.Which intervention by the nurse is most appropriate?