your patient has the following arterial blood gas results ph 726 paco2 28 hco3 11 meql how would the nurse interpret the results
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Fluid and Electrolytes ATI

1. Your patient has the following arterial blood gas results: pH 7.26, PaCO2 28, HCO3 11 mEq/L. How would the nurse interpret the results?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The given arterial blood gas results show a low pH, indicating acidosis, with normal pH range being 7.35 to 7.45. The low PaCO2 suggests alkalosis, while the low bicarb level indicates acidosis. In this scenario, the primary issue is the metabolic acidosis, as the pH bicarb relationship supports this. The compensatory response to metabolic acidosis is a decrease in PaCO2, leading to a respiratory alkalosis. Therefore, the correct interpretation is 'Metabolic acidosis with a compensatory respiratory alkalosis.' Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect the relationship between the pH, PaCO2, and HCO3 levels in the arterial blood gas results provided.

2. The nurse assessing skin turgor in an elderly patient should remember that:

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Inelastic skin turgor is a normal part of aging. Dehydration, not overhydration, causes inelastic skin with tenting. Overhydration, not dehydration, causes the skin to appear edematous and spongy. Normal skin turgor is dry and firm. Choice A is incorrect because overhydration does not cause the skin to tent; it is dehydration that leads to tenting. Choice B is incorrect because dehydration, not overhydration, causes the skin to appear edematous and spongy. Choice D is incorrect because normal skin turgor is dry and firm, not moist and boggy.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has just had a central venous access line inserted. Which action should the nurse take next?

Correct answer: B

Rationale:

4. What fluid is found in spaces between the cells?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Interstitial fluid. Interstitial fluid is the fluid that surrounds and occupies the spaces between cells, providing them with nutrients and removing waste. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because intracellular fluid refers to fluid inside cells, plasma refers to the liquid component of blood, and electrolyte refers to substances that dissociate into ions in solution, affecting fluid balance but not specifically found in spaces between cells.

5. A patient who is in renal failure partially loses the ability to regulate changes in pH because the kidneys:

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. In renal failure, the kidneys lose the ability to regulate pH by controlling bicarbonate levels in the extracellular fluid (ECF). The kidneys can regenerate and reabsorb bicarbonate ions to maintain a stable pH. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the kidneys do not primarily regulate or reabsorb carbonic acid, buffer acids through electrolyte changes, or combine carbonic acid and bicarbonate to maintain pH. The key function of the kidneys in maintaining pH balance lies in the control of bicarbonate levels.

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