NR 324 Exam 1 Fluid and
Electrolytes and Respiratory
2026 Exam All Answers and
Illustrations Given
paO2 - ANSWER ✔✔80-100 mm Hg
pH - ANSWER ✔✔7.35-7.45
low pH - ANSWER ✔✔acidic
high pH - ANSWER ✔✔alkalosis
pa CO2 - ANSWER ✔✔35-45 mm Hg
,HCO3 - ANSWER ✔✔22-26 mEq/L
respiratory acidosis - ANSWER ✔✔low pH, high co2, normal
bicarbonate
causes of respiratory acidosis - ANSWER ✔✔respiratory depression
from anesthesia, overdose, increased intracranial pressure, airway
obstruction from decreased alveolar capillary diffusion like pneumonia,
COPD, ARDS, AND PE
signs/symptoms of respiratory acidosis - ANSWER
✔✔hypoventilation (hypoxia), rapid, shallow respirations, decrease in
BP, skin/mucous pale to cyanotic, headache, hyperkalemia,
dysrhythmias, drowsiness, dizziness, disorientation, muscle weakness,
hyperreflexia
Nursing management of respiratory acidosis - ANSWER
✔✔ventilator, arterial blood gas, low-dose oxygen in chronic conditions,
high-dose oxygen in acute hypoxia with acidosis, I/O, promote the
release of CO2, turn/cough/deep breathe, assume semi-high fowlers
position, clear respiratory secretions, colors of skin, mucous membranes
respiratory alkalosis - ANSWER ✔✔high pH, low co2 and normal
bicarbonate
, causes of respiratory alkalosis - ANSWER ✔✔high pH, low co2 and
hyperventilation, initial stages of pulmonary emboli, hypoxia, fever,
pregnancy, high altitudes, and anxiety
signs/symptoms of respiratory alkalosis - ANSWER ✔✔seizures,
deep/rapid breathing, hyperventilation, tachycardia, decrease BP,
hypokalemia, numbness/tingling in extremities, lethargy/confusion, light
headedness, N/V
nursing management of respiratory alkalosis - ANSWER ✔✔kidneys
retain H+ ions, use a rebreather mask or paper bag, sedatives, monitor
respiratory rate/depth, tachycardia, low BP, serum K+ levels/ECG levels,
hydration status I/O, check for toxicities
metabolic acidosis - ANSWER ✔✔low ph, normal co2 and low
bicarbonate
metabolic acidosis signs/symptoms - ANSWER ✔✔compensatory
hyperventilation (kussmaul respirations), headache, decreased BP,
hyperkalemia, muscle twitching, warm/flushed skin, N/D/V, changes in
LOC,
causes of metabolic acidosis - ANSWER ✔✔low ph/low bicarbonate,
diabetic ketoacidosis, shock, sepsis, severe diarrhea, and renal failure
COPYRIGHT©NINJANERD 2025/2026. YEAR PUBLISHED 2026. COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 619652435. TERMS OF USE. PRIVACY
STATEMENT. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
3
Electrolytes and Respiratory
2026 Exam All Answers and
Illustrations Given
paO2 - ANSWER ✔✔80-100 mm Hg
pH - ANSWER ✔✔7.35-7.45
low pH - ANSWER ✔✔acidic
high pH - ANSWER ✔✔alkalosis
pa CO2 - ANSWER ✔✔35-45 mm Hg
,HCO3 - ANSWER ✔✔22-26 mEq/L
respiratory acidosis - ANSWER ✔✔low pH, high co2, normal
bicarbonate
causes of respiratory acidosis - ANSWER ✔✔respiratory depression
from anesthesia, overdose, increased intracranial pressure, airway
obstruction from decreased alveolar capillary diffusion like pneumonia,
COPD, ARDS, AND PE
signs/symptoms of respiratory acidosis - ANSWER
✔✔hypoventilation (hypoxia), rapid, shallow respirations, decrease in
BP, skin/mucous pale to cyanotic, headache, hyperkalemia,
dysrhythmias, drowsiness, dizziness, disorientation, muscle weakness,
hyperreflexia
Nursing management of respiratory acidosis - ANSWER
✔✔ventilator, arterial blood gas, low-dose oxygen in chronic conditions,
high-dose oxygen in acute hypoxia with acidosis, I/O, promote the
release of CO2, turn/cough/deep breathe, assume semi-high fowlers
position, clear respiratory secretions, colors of skin, mucous membranes
respiratory alkalosis - ANSWER ✔✔high pH, low co2 and normal
bicarbonate
, causes of respiratory alkalosis - ANSWER ✔✔high pH, low co2 and
hyperventilation, initial stages of pulmonary emboli, hypoxia, fever,
pregnancy, high altitudes, and anxiety
signs/symptoms of respiratory alkalosis - ANSWER ✔✔seizures,
deep/rapid breathing, hyperventilation, tachycardia, decrease BP,
hypokalemia, numbness/tingling in extremities, lethargy/confusion, light
headedness, N/V
nursing management of respiratory alkalosis - ANSWER ✔✔kidneys
retain H+ ions, use a rebreather mask or paper bag, sedatives, monitor
respiratory rate/depth, tachycardia, low BP, serum K+ levels/ECG levels,
hydration status I/O, check for toxicities
metabolic acidosis - ANSWER ✔✔low ph, normal co2 and low
bicarbonate
metabolic acidosis signs/symptoms - ANSWER ✔✔compensatory
hyperventilation (kussmaul respirations), headache, decreased BP,
hyperkalemia, muscle twitching, warm/flushed skin, N/D/V, changes in
LOC,
causes of metabolic acidosis - ANSWER ✔✔low ph/low bicarbonate,
diabetic ketoacidosis, shock, sepsis, severe diarrhea, and renal failure
COPYRIGHT©NINJANERD 2025/2026. YEAR PUBLISHED 2026. COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 619652435. TERMS OF USE. PRIVACY
STATEMENT. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
3
