Author Question: An 81-year-old female has a long-standing diagnosis of hypocalcemia secondary to kidney disease. She ... (Read 112 times)

FButt · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

An 81-year-old female has a long-standing diagnosis of hypocalcemia secondary to kidney disease. She will be moving into an assisted living facility shortly. Which of the following clinical manifestations would the nursing staff at the facility likely obs

A)
Loss of appetite and complaints of nausea
B)
Muscular spasms and complaints of tingling in the hands/feet
C)
High fluid intake and copious amounts of dilute urine output
D)
Lethargy and change in level of consciousness

Question 2

A hospital patient's arterial blood gases indicate normal levels of oxygen and increased carbon dioxide. The patient's respiratory rate is 12 breaths/minute (normal 14 to 20 breaths/minute) with all other vital signs within normal range.

While not evident from assessment and diagnostics, the patient's kidneys are minimizing both H+ excretion and HCO3- reabsorption. What is this client's most likely diagnosis?
A)
Respiratory alkalosis
B)
Metabolic acidosis
C)
Respiratory acidosis
D)
Metabolic alkalosis

lkoler · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans:
B

Feedback:

Muscular spasms and cramping are common manifestations of low serum calcium. Polydipsia, polyuria, anorexia, lethargy, and stupor are associated with hypercalcemia.

Answer to Question 2

Ans:
D

Feedback:

In response to increased bicarbonate, the client is hypoventilating to increase carbon dioxide partial pressure. As well, renal compensation is aimed at lowering pH by both reducing H+ excretion and HCO3- reabsorption. The given data are incongruent with the other major acid-base imbalances.