ATI Case Study Questions Acid Base Imbalances

ATI Case Study Questions: Acid Base Imbalances 1. A nurse is caring for a client who has metabolic alkalosis. As the client compensates for acid – base imbalance, which of the following mechanisms should the nurse expect the client’s body to use? a. Hypoventilation i. Hypoventilation is the mechanism that helps clients compensate for metabolic alkalosis. As a result, the client's PaCO2 and HCO3- will increase. b. Hyperventilation i. Hyperventilation is the mechanism that helps clients compensate for metabolic acidosis. c. Increased renal acid secretion i. Increased renal acid excretion is the mechanism that helps clients compensate for respiratory acidosis. d. Decreased renal acid secretion i. Decreased renal acid excretion is the mechanism that helps clients compensate for respiratory alkalosis. 2. A nurse is caring for a client who has a high fever and is hyperventilating. His ABG results are: pH – 7.51, PaCO2 – 28 mm Hg, and HCO3- - 24 mEq/L. the nurse should identify that the client has which of the following acid – base imbalances? a. Respiratory acidosis i. Respiratory acidosis results from inadequate excretion of carbon dioxide, resulting in an increase in carbon dioxide and corresponding increase in the hydrogen ion level of the blood, causing the pH to decrease. A common cause of this acid-base imbalance is respiratory depression. b. Respiratory alkalosis i. Because the client is breathing rapidly, he is exhaling excessive amounts of carbon dioxide. This loss of carbon dioxide decreases the hydrogen ion level of the blood, causing the pH to increase and resulting in respiratory alkalosis. c. Metabolic acidosis i. Metabolic acidosis results from a metabolic disturbance, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, seizures, or starvation, not a respiratory problem. d. Metabolic alkalosis i. Metabolic alkalosis results from a metabolic disturbance, such as prolonged vomiting, excessive antacid use, or hyperaldosteronism, not a respiratory problem.