Author Question: The nurse is aware that the compensating mechanism that is most likely to occur in the presence of ... (Read 34 times)

Kthamas · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse is aware that the compensating mechanism that is most likely to occur in the presence of respiratory acidosis is:

1. Hyperventilation to decrease the CO2 levels
2. Hypoventilation to increase the CO2 levels
3. Retention of HCO3 by the kidneys to increase the pH level
4. Excretion of HCO3 by the kidneys to decrease the pH level

Question 2

Arterial blood gas levels are obtained for the client. If the client's results are pH 7.48, CO2 42 mm Hg, and HCO3 32 mEq/L, the client is exhibiting which one of the following acid-base im-balances?

1. Metabolic acidosis
2. Respiratory acidosis
3. Respiratory alkalosis
4. Metabolic alkalosis

fatboyy09 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: 3
The compensating mechanism in the presence of respiratory acidosis is retention of bicarbonate by the kidneys to increase the pH level. Hyperventilation would be the compensating mechanism in metabolic acidosis to decrease CO2 levels. Hypoventilation would be the compensating mech-anism in metabolic alkalosis to increase CO2 levels. The compensating mechanism in the presence of metabolic alkalosis is excretion of bicarbonate to decrease the pH level.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: 4
The client's pH is elevated at 7.48 (normal 7.35 to 7.45), the CO2 is normal at 42 mm Hg (normal 35 to 45 mm Hg), and the bicarbonate is elevated at 32 mEq/L (normal 22 to 26 mEq/L). The client is experiencing metabolic alkalosis. In metabolic acidosis the client's pH would be below 7.35, and the bicarbonate would be below 22 mEq/L. In respiratory acidosis the client's pH would be below 7.35, and the CO2 would be elevated above 45 mm Hg. In respiratory alkalosis the client's pH would be above 7.45, and the CO2 would be below 35 mm Hg.