A client who has been experiencing prolonged vomiting has the following ABG results: pH 7.48; pCO2 40
mm Hg; HCO3 34 mEq/L; pO2 85 mm Hg. The nurse determines that the client is experiencing which of
the following imbalance?
Select one:
a. Respiratory Alkalosis
b. Metabolic Alkalosis
c. Respiratory Acidosis
d. Metabolic Acidosis - Answer--b. Metabolic Alkalosis
Alkalosis is reflected by an arterial pH greater than 7.45. Because this client has an increase in the base
component, HCO3, this is a metabolic alkalosis.
Metabolic alkalosis results from:
• Base excess
- Oral ingestion of bases (antacids)
- Venous administration of bases (blood transfusions, TPN, or sodium bicarbonate)
- Acid deficit
- Loss of gastric secretions (through prolonged vomiting, NG suction)
- Potassium depletion (due to thiazide diuretics, laxative abuse, Cushing's syndrome)
- Metabolic alkalosis results in:
, - Increased HCO3
A client experiencing intermittent chest pain has been admitted to the hospital. Which of the following
laboratory values should the nurse report to the health care provider immediately?
Select one:
a. Creatine kinase (CK) 90 units/L
b. C-reactive protein (CRP) 0.2 mg/dL
c. Total myoglobin 60 mcg/L
d. Cardiac troponin T 1.2 ng/mL - Answer--d. Cardiac troponin T 1.2 ng/mL
A client is having an exercise electrocardiography (stress test) performed. The nurse recognizes the need
to stop the test if which of the following occurs?
Select one:
a. The client begins to breathe harder
b. The client experiences an increase in heart rate.
c. QRS complexes begin to occur more frequently.
d. An ST segment depression or T wave inversion on the EKG. - Answer--d. An ST segment depression or
T wave inversion on the EKG.
A client is discharged following a cardiac catheterization procedure. Which of the following should the
nurse include in the discharge teaching?
Select one:
a. Limit activity for several days after the procedure.
b. Remove dressing the evening of the procedure.