Author Question: An older adult patient who is malnourished presents to the emergency department with a serum protein ... (Read 52 times)

bucstennis@aim.com · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

An older adult patient who is malnourished presents to the emergency department with a serum protein level of 5.2 g/dL. The nurse would expect which clinical manifestation?

a. Pallor
b. Edema
c. Confusion
d. Restlessness

Question 2

A patient who is lethargic and exhibits deep, rapid respirations has the following arterial blood gas (ABG) results: pH 7.32, PaO2 88 mm Hg, PaCO2 37 mm Hg, and HCO3 16 mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these results?

a. Metabolic acidosis
b. Metabolic alkalosis
c. Respiratory acidosis
d. Respiratory alkalosis

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
The normal range for total protein is 6.4 to 8.3 g/dL. Low serum protein levels cause a decrease in plasma oncotic pressure and allow fluid to remain in interstitial tissues, causing edema. Confusion, restlessness, and pallor are not associated with low serum protein levels.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The pH and HCO3 indicate that the patient has a metabolic acidosis. The ABGs are inconsistent with the other responses.