University of San Francisco Wk 6 Acid Base Imbalance Questions

1.Andrew, who is drinking beer at a party, falls and hits her head on the ground. Her friend Liza dials “911” because Anne is unconscious, depressed ventilation (shallow and slow respirations), rapid heart rate, and is profusely bleeding from both ears. Which primary acid-base imbalance is Andrew at risk for if medical attention is not provided?

2. David, a 5-year-old boy, was rushed to the hospital following her mother’s complaint that her son has been vomiting, nauseated and has overall weakness. After a series of tests, the nurse notes the laboratory results: potassium: 2.9 meq. Which primary acid-base imbalance is this boy at risk for if medical intervention is not carried out?

3. An old man was admitted to the emergency department due to shortness of breath, fever, and a productive cough. Upon examination, crackles and wheezes are noted in the lower lobes; he appears to be tachycardic and has 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 that the normal value for ph is:

4. Braddon’s mother is seen in the emergency department at a community hospital. She admits that her mother is 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 client at risk for if medical attention is not provided?

5. 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:

6. 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?