ATI RN
ATI Maternal Newborn Proctored Exam
1. When reviewing the arterial blood gas values for a client, a nurse notes a pH of 7.32, PaCO2 of 48 mm Hg, and HCO3 of 23 mEq/L. What does this indicate about the acid-base balance?
- A. Respiratory acidosis
- B. Respiratory alkalosis
- C. Metabolic acidosis
- D. Metabolic alkalosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The given values suggest respiratory acidosis. In respiratory acidosis, the pH is low (<7.35), PaCO2 is high (>45 mm Hg), and the HCO3 is normal or slightly elevated. In this scenario, the low pH (7.32) and high PaCO2 (48 mm Hg) indicate respiratory acidosis, where there is an excess of carbon dioxide in the blood, leading to acidification of the body fluids.
2. A client is receiving positive-pressure mechanical ventilation. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement to prevent complications? (Select one that doesn't apply.)
- A. Elevate the head of the bed to at least 30�.
- B. Apply restraints if the client becomes agitated.
- C. Administer pantoprazole as prescribed.
- D. Reposition the endotracheal tube to the opposite side of the mouth daily.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Repositioning the endotracheal tube to the opposite side of the mouth daily is not a standard practice in preventing complications in a client receiving positive-pressure mechanical ventilation. This action may disrupt the secure placement of the endotracheal tube and increase the risk of complications. Elevating the head of the bed to at least 30� helps prevent aspiration and ventilator-associated pneumonia. Applying restraints if the client becomes agitated helps maintain the safety of the client by preventing self-extubation or accidental dislodgement of tubes. Administering pantoprazole as prescribed helps prevent stress ulcers, a common complication in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation.
3. A client with chronic kidney disease has arterial blood gas values being reviewed by a nurse. Which of the following sets of values should the nurse expect?
- A. pH 7.25, HCO3- 19 mEq/L, PaCO2 30 mm Hg
- B. pH 7.30, HCO3- 26 mEq/L, PaCO2 50 mm Hg
- C. pH 7.50, HCO3- 20 mEq/L, PaCO2 32 mm Hg
- D. pH 7.55, HCO3- 30 mEq/L, PaCO2 31 mm Hg
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In chronic kidney disease, metabolic acidosis is common due to impaired kidney function leading to reduced bicarbonate excretion. The correct values indicating metabolic acidosis in this scenario are a low pH (acidosis), low bicarbonate (HCO3-) level, and low PaCO2 (compensation through respiratory alkalosis). Therefore, the expected values for a client with chronic kidney disease would be pH 7.25, HCO3- 19 mEq/L, PaCO2 30 mm Hg, as depicted in choice A.
4. A healthcare professional is reviewing the arterial blood gas results for a client in the ICU who has kidney failure and determines the client has respiratory acidosis. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional expect?
- A. Widened QRS complexes
- B. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
- C. Bounding peripheral pulses
- D. Warm, flushed skin
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by an increase in carbon dioxide levels in the blood, leading to acidosis. This condition can affect the heart's electrical conduction system, resulting in widened QRS complexes on an electrocardiogram (ECG). Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes, bounding peripheral pulses, and warm, flushed skin are not typically associated with respiratory acidosis.
5. A healthcare professional is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who has respiratory acidosis. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional expect?
- A. HCO3- 30 mEq/L
- B. PaCO2 50 mm Hg
- C. pH 7.45
- D. Potassium 3.3 mEq/L
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In respiratory acidosis, the primary disturbance is an increase in PaCO2 levels above the normal range of 35-45 mm Hg. Option B, PaCO2 50 mm Hg, indicates an elevated partial pressure of carbon dioxide, which is consistent with respiratory acidosis. Options A, C, and D are not directly indicative of respiratory acidosis. HCO3- (Option A) is more related to metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, pH (Option C) is within the normal range indicating no acid-base imbalance, and potassium (Option D) levels are not specific to respiratory acidosis.
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