Exam #2 - MNL Acid Base Balance
Questions and Answers
The nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing an acid-base imbalance. When
interpreting the client's arterial blood gas (ABG) results, which blood pH is most
consistent with an alkalotic state?
7.32
7.38
7.49
7.43 - answer 7.49
Rationale
The normal range for pH is 7.35 - 7.45. A pH of less than 7.35 is reflective of acidosis,
while a pH of greater than 7.45 is reflective of alkalosis.
The nurse educator is explaining the relationship between acidity, alkalinity, and the pH
of a solution. Which statements are most appropriate for the nurse educator to include
in the teaching?
(Select all that apply.)
A pH of 7.0 is neutral.
An increase in hydrogen ions typically causes pH to increase.
A decrease in hydrogen ions typically causes a decrease in pH.
The pH is inversely proportionate to hydrogen ion concentration.
Bases are also called alkalis. - answer A pH of 7.0 is neutral.
The pH is inversely proportionate to hydrogen ion concentration.
Bases are also called alkalis.
Rationale
The pH is inversely proportionate to the concentration of hydrogen ions; that is, when
the hydrogen ion concentration increases, the pH decreases. A pH of 7.0 is neutral.
Bases are also called alkalis.
, The nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing an acid-base imbalance. Which
nursing intervention is most appropriate for the nurse to identify as having the highest
priority?
Monitoring oxygen saturation
Maintaining airway patency
Measuring daily weight
Calculating fluid intake and output - answer Maintaining airway patency
Rationale
Nursing interventions should prioritize protection of the client's safety. Although all of
these interventions are appropriate for inclusion in the client's plan of care, maintaining
airway patency takes priority over monitoring oxygen saturation, calculating fluid intake
and output, and measuring daily weight.
The nurse is caring for a client who has experienced prolonged periods of vomiting.
Which primary acid-base imbalance is most appropriate for the nurse to anticipate the
client being at risk for developing?
Respiratory alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis - answer Metabolic alkalosis
Rationale
Metabolic alkalosis may be caused by loss of acid due to vomiting and gastric suction.
The neonatal nurse specialist is giving an in-service about infants and alterations in
acid-base balance. Which factors are most appropriate for the neonatal nurse specialist
to include when describing risk factors that may predispose infants to the development
of alterations in acid-base balance?
(Select all that apply.)
Decreased levels of extracellular fluid
.
Higher rate of comorbid disorders
Increased respiratory rate
Questions and Answers
The nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing an acid-base imbalance. When
interpreting the client's arterial blood gas (ABG) results, which blood pH is most
consistent with an alkalotic state?
7.32
7.38
7.49
7.43 - answer 7.49
Rationale
The normal range for pH is 7.35 - 7.45. A pH of less than 7.35 is reflective of acidosis,
while a pH of greater than 7.45 is reflective of alkalosis.
The nurse educator is explaining the relationship between acidity, alkalinity, and the pH
of a solution. Which statements are most appropriate for the nurse educator to include
in the teaching?
(Select all that apply.)
A pH of 7.0 is neutral.
An increase in hydrogen ions typically causes pH to increase.
A decrease in hydrogen ions typically causes a decrease in pH.
The pH is inversely proportionate to hydrogen ion concentration.
Bases are also called alkalis. - answer A pH of 7.0 is neutral.
The pH is inversely proportionate to hydrogen ion concentration.
Bases are also called alkalis.
Rationale
The pH is inversely proportionate to the concentration of hydrogen ions; that is, when
the hydrogen ion concentration increases, the pH decreases. A pH of 7.0 is neutral.
Bases are also called alkalis.
, The nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing an acid-base imbalance. Which
nursing intervention is most appropriate for the nurse to identify as having the highest
priority?
Monitoring oxygen saturation
Maintaining airway patency
Measuring daily weight
Calculating fluid intake and output - answer Maintaining airway patency
Rationale
Nursing interventions should prioritize protection of the client's safety. Although all of
these interventions are appropriate for inclusion in the client's plan of care, maintaining
airway patency takes priority over monitoring oxygen saturation, calculating fluid intake
and output, and measuring daily weight.
The nurse is caring for a client who has experienced prolonged periods of vomiting.
Which primary acid-base imbalance is most appropriate for the nurse to anticipate the
client being at risk for developing?
Respiratory alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis - answer Metabolic alkalosis
Rationale
Metabolic alkalosis may be caused by loss of acid due to vomiting and gastric suction.
The neonatal nurse specialist is giving an in-service about infants and alterations in
acid-base balance. Which factors are most appropriate for the neonatal nurse specialist
to include when describing risk factors that may predispose infants to the development
of alterations in acid-base balance?
(Select all that apply.)
Decreased levels of extracellular fluid
.
Higher rate of comorbid disorders
Increased respiratory rate
