NR 324 Exam 1 Fluid and Electrolytes and
Respiratory | Study Questions and
Answers | 2026/27 Updates | 100% correct
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
what goes up in acidosis - ANSWER- -potassium
Respiratory | Study Questions and
Answers | 2026/27 Updates | 100% correct
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
what goes up in acidosis - ANSWER- -potassium
