Week 5

Question 1

What element excessively accumulates in the blood to precipitate the signs and symptoms associated with a diabetic coma?

Answer 1

Ketones

As a result of rapid fat breakdown –> acidosis

Question 2

What is the origin of metabolic acidosis caused by aspirin toxicity?

Answer 2

Rapid absorption of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) causes the stomach contents to become more acidic, leading to metabolic acidosis.

Aspirin at intermediate and high levels can inhibit PG production

Question 3

Nurse assess a client who is experiencing profound (late) hypovolemic shock. When monitoring the client’s ABG results, what response would the nurse expect?

Answer 3

Decreased O2 promotes the conversion of pyruvic acid to lactic acid –> metabolic acidosis.

Question 4

When ABG done on a client who is being resuscitated after cardiac arrest show a low pH, what factor is the likely cause of the lab result?

Answer 4

Cardiac arrest causes decreased tissue perfusion, which results in anaerobic metabolism and lactic acid production.

Question 5

On admission to the ICU, a client is diagnosed with compensated metabolic acidosis. Nurse expects what finding?

Answer 5

Deep and rapid respirations (controlled hyperventilation)

These are an adaptation to a decreased serum pH. Carbonic acid dissociates in the lungs to hydrogen ions and CO2, which helps increase the serum pH.

Question 6

Normal PO2 range

Answer 6

80 - 100 mm Hg

Question 7

Normal PCO2 range

Answer 7

35 - 45 mm Hg