Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Analysis NCLEX Exam #4 (10 Questions)
We have come up with this Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Analysis NCLEX Exam #4 (10 Questions) for you to test as well enhance your knowledge on the same. All questions are shown, but the results will only be given after you've finished the quiz. You are given 1 minute per question, a total of 10 minutes in this quiz. So, can you manage to score well on this quiz? Let's see. Good luck, dear!
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Stephen, a 6-year-old boy, was brought to the hospital with her mother’s complaint that her son is vomiting, nauseated, and showed overall weakness. After some tests, the nurse finds the laboratory results: potassium: 2.9 mEq. the boy is at risk for which primary acid-base imbalance if medical intervention is not carried out?
- A.
Respiratory Acidosis
- B.
Respiratory Alkalosis
- C.
Metabolic Acidosis
- D.
Metabolic Alkalosis
Correct Answer
D. Metabolic AlkalosisExplanation
The laboratory result shows a low level of potassium (hypokalemia), which is commonly associated with metabolic alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis occurs when there is an excess of bicarbonate (HCO3-) in the body, leading to an increase in pH. This can be caused by factors such as vomiting, which leads to loss of acid (hydrochloric acid) from the stomach, resulting in an imbalance in the body's acid-base levels. If medical intervention is not carried out to address the underlying cause and restore electrolyte balance, the boy is at risk of developing metabolic alkalosis.Rate this question:
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- 2.
An old beggar gets admitted to the emergency department for shortness of breath, fever, and a productive cough. After examination, crackles and wheezes are found in the lower lobes; he appears to be tachycardic and shows a bounding pulse. Measurement of arterial blood gas shows pH 7.2, PaCO2 66 mm Hg, HCO3 27 mmol/L, and PaO2 65 mm Hg. As a knowledgeable nurse, you know what the normal value is for pH:
- A.
7.20
- B.
7.30
- C.
7.40
- D.
7.50
Correct Answer
C. 7.40Explanation
The normal value for pH in arterial blood is 7.40. A pH of 7.40 indicates a balanced acid-base status in the body. In this case, the pH of 7.2 suggests acidosis, which can be caused by respiratory or metabolic imbalances.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Liza’s mother is seen in the emergency department at a community hospital. She admits that her mother has been taking many tablets of aspirin (salicylates) over the last 24-hour period because of a severe headache. Also, the mother complains of an inability to urinate. The nurse on duty took her vital signs and noted the following: Temp = 97.8 °F; apical pulse = 95; respiration = 32 and deep. Which primary acid-base imbalance is the gentleman at risk for if medical attention is not provided?
- A.
Respiratory Acidosis
- B.
Respiratory Alkalosis
- C.
Metabolic Acidosis
- D.
Metabolic Alkalosis
Correct Answer
C. Metabolic AcidosisExplanation
The correct answer is Metabolic Acidosis. Taking excessive amounts of aspirin can lead to salicylate toxicity, which can cause metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is an excess of acid in the body or a loss of bicarbonate, leading to a decrease in pH. The inability to urinate may be a sign of kidney dysfunction, which can contribute to the development of metabolic acidosis. The vital signs, including a normal temperature and pulse rate, do not indicate a respiratory acidosis or alkalosis.Rate this question:
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- 4.
A patient who is hospitalized due to vomiting and a decreased level of consciousness displays slow and deep (Kussmaul breathing), and he is lethargic and irritable in response to stimulation. The doctor diagnosed him of having dehydration. Measurement of arterial blood gas shows pH 7.0, PaO2 90 mm Hg, PaCO2 22 mm Hg, and HCO3 14 mmol/L; other results are Na+ 120 mmol/L, K+ 2.5 mmol/L, and Cl- 95 mmol/L. As a knowledgeable nurse, you know that the normal value for PaCO2 is:
- A.
22 mm Hg
- B.
36 mm Hg
- C.
48 mm Hg
- D.
50 mm Hg
Correct Answer
B. 36 mm HgExplanation
The correct answer is 36 mm Hg. The given arterial blood gas measurements indicate a condition known as metabolic acidosis. In metabolic acidosis, there is a decrease in the concentration of bicarbonate (HCO3-) in the blood, leading to a decrease in the pH. In order to compensate for this acidosis, the respiratory system increases the rate and depth of breathing, resulting in a decrease in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) in the blood. The normal value for PaCO2 is around 35-45 mm Hg, so a value of 36 mm Hg falls within the normal range.Rate this question:
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- 5.
A company driver is found at the scene of an automobile accident in a state of emotional distress. He tells the paramedics that he feels dizzy, tingling in his fingertips, and does not remember what happened to his car. Respiratory rate is rapid at 34/minute. Which primary acid-base disturbance is the young man at risk for if medical attention is not provided?
- A.
Respiratory Acidosis
- B.
Respiratory Alkalosis
- C.
Metabolic Acidosis
- D.
Metabolic Alkalosis
Correct Answer
B. Respiratory AlkalosisExplanation
The driver is experiencing symptoms of hyperventilation, such as dizziness, tingling in the fingertips, and rapid respiratory rate. These symptoms are indicative of respiratory alkalosis, which is caused by excessive elimination of carbon dioxide through hyperventilation. Without medical attention, the driver's condition may worsen, leading to further imbalances in the acid-base levels in the body.Rate this question:
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- 6.
An elderly client gets admitted to the hospital, and he is in a coma. Analysis of the arterial blood provided the following values: PCO2 16 mm Hg, HCO3- 5 mmol/L, and pH 7.1. As a good nurse, you know what the normal value is for HCO3 is:
- A.
20 mmol/L
- B.
24 mmol/L
- C.
29 mmol/L
- D.
31 mmol/L
Correct Answer
B. 24 mmol/LExplanation
The normal value for HCO3- (bicarbonate) in arterial blood is 24 mmol/L. In this case, the client's HCO3- level is significantly lower at 5 mmol/L, indicating a condition called metabolic acidosis. This is further supported by the low pH value of 7.1, which is below the normal range of 7.35-7.45. Metabolic acidosis can occur due to various reasons such as kidney dysfunction, diabetic ketoacidosis, or ingestion of certain toxins. It is important for the nurse to recognize this abnormality and inform the healthcare team for appropriate intervention and treatment.Rate this question:
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- 7.
In a patient undergoing surgery, it was vital to aspirate the contents of the upper gastrointestinal tract. After the operation, the following values were acquired from an arterial blood sample: pH 7.55, PCO2 52 mm Hg, and HCO3- 40 mmol/l. What is the underlying disorder?
- A.
Respiratory Acidosis
- B.
Respiratory Alkalosis
- C.
Metabolic Acidosis
- D.
Metabolic Alkalosis
Correct Answer
D. Metabolic AlkalosisExplanation
The given arterial blood sample values indicate a high pH (alkalosis) and high HCO3- levels, suggesting a metabolic alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis occurs when there is an excess of bicarbonate ions in the blood, often caused by conditions such as vomiting, excessive intake of antacids, or certain kidney disorders. Aspiration of the upper gastrointestinal tract can lead to loss of stomach acid, resulting in an imbalance of bicarbonate levels and metabolic alkalosis.Rate this question:
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- 8.
A mountaineer attempts an assault on a high mountain in the Andes and reaches an altitude of 5000 meters (16,400 ft) above sea level. What will happen to his arterial PCO2 and pH?
- A.
Both will be lower than normal.
- B.
The pH will rise, and PCO2 will fall.
- C.
Both will be higher than normal due to physical exertion.
- D.
The pH will fall, and PCO2 will rise
Correct Answer
B. The pH will rise, and PCO2 will fall.Explanation
At higher altitudes, the partial pressure of oxygen decreases, causing a condition known as hypoxia. In response, the body compensates by increasing the respiratory rate, leading to a decrease in arterial PCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) as more CO2 is exhaled. This decrease in PCO2 causes a rise in pH (alkalosis) due to the shift towards a more basic environment. Therefore, the answer "The pH will rise, and PCO2 will fall" is correct.Rate this question:
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- 9.
A young woman is found comatose, having taken an unknown number of sleeping pills an unknown time before. An arterial blood sample yields the following values: pH 6.90, HCO3- 13 meq/liter, and PaCO2 68 mmHg. This patient’s acid-base status is most accurately described as:
- A.
Metabolic Acidosis
- B.
Respiratory Acidosis
- C.
Simultaneous Respiratory and Metabolic Acidosis
- D.
Respiratory Acidosis with Complete Renal Compensation
Correct Answer
C. Simultaneous Respiratory and Metabolic AcidosisExplanation
The arterial blood sample results indicate a low pH (6.90), which suggests acidosis. The low HCO3- (13 meq/liter) indicates a metabolic acidosis, as it is below the normal range of 22-28 meq/liter. The elevated PaCO2 (68 mmHg) suggests respiratory acidosis, as it is above the normal range of 35-45 mmHg. Therefore, the patient's acid-base status is most accurately described as simultaneous respiratory and metabolic acidosis, as both respiratory and metabolic factors are contributing to the acidosis.Rate this question:
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- 10.
A mother is admitted in the emergency department following complaints of fever and chills. The nurse on duty took her vital signs and noted the following: Temp = 100 °F; apical pulse = 95; respiration = 20, and deep. Measurement of arterial blood gas shows pH 7.37, PaO2 90 mm Hg, PaCO2 40 mm Hg and HCO3 24 mmol/L. What is your assessment?
- A.
Hyperthermia
- B.
Hyperthermia and Respiratory Alkalosis
- C.
Hypothermia
- D.
Hypothermia and Respiratory Alkalosis
Correct Answer
A. HyperthermiaExplanation
The given vital signs and arterial blood gas measurements indicate that the mother has a fever (elevated temperature) and normal respiratory values. The pH, PaO2, PaCO2, and HCO3 levels are within the normal range, suggesting that there is no respiratory alkalosis or acidosis present. Therefore, the assessment is Hyperthermia, which is consistent with the symptoms of fever and chills mentioned in the question.Rate this question:
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Mar 28, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Jul 27, 2017Quiz Created by
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