Question

A 64-year-old client is brought in to the clinic feeling thirsty with dry, sticky mucous membranes; decreased

urine output; fever; a rough tongue; and is lethargic. Serum sodium level is above 145 mEq/l (145 mmol/L).

Should the nurse start salt tablets when caring for this client?

• No, sodium intake should be restricted.

Question

A client admitted with acute anxiety has the following arterial blood gas (ABG) values: pH, 7.55; partial

pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2), 90 mm Hg; partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2), 27 mm Hg;

and bicarbonate (HCO –

), 24 mEq/L. Based on these values, the nurse suspects:

• respiratory alkalosis.

Question

A client comes to the emergency department with status asthmaticus. His respiratory rate is 48

breaths/minute, and he is wheezing. An arterial blood gas analysis reveals a pH of 7.52, a partial pressure of

arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) of 30 mm Hg, PaO2 of 70 mm Hg, and bicarbonate (HCO3) of 26 mEq/L. What

disorder is indicated by these findings?

• Respiratory alkalosis

Question

A client experiencing a severe anxiety attack and hyperventilating presentsto the emergency department. The

nurse would expect the client’s pH value to be

• 7.50

Question

A client has been admitted to the hospital unit with signs and symptoms of hypovolemia; however, the client

has not lost weight. The client exhibits a localized enlargement of her abdomen. What condition could the

client be presenting?

• third-spacing

Question

A client has been diagnosed with an intestinal obstruction and has a nasogastric tube set to low continuous

suction. Which acid-base disturbance is this client at risk for developing?

• Metabolic alkalosis

Question