On admission, the client's arterial blood gas (ABG) values were: pH, 7.20; PaO2, 64 mm Hg (8.5 kPa); PaCO2, 60 mm Hg (8 kPa); and HCO3-, 22 mEq/L (22 mmol/L). A chest tube is inserted, and oxygen at 4 L/minute is started. Thirty minutes later, repeat blood gas values are: pH, 7.30; PaO2, 76 mm Hg (10.1 kPa); PaCO2, 50 mm Hg (6.7 kPa); and HCO3-, 22 mEq/L (22 mmol/L). This change would indicate:
impending respiratory failure.
obstruction in the chest tubes.
improving respiratory status.
developing respiratory alkalosis. monitor the client's vital signs, serum electrolyte levels, and acid-base balance.
Explanation:
An anorexic client who requires hospitalization is in poor physical condition as a result of starvation and may die as a result of arrhythmias, hypothermia, malnutrition, infection, or cardiac abnormalities secondary to electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, monitoring the client's vital signs, serum electrolyte level, and acid-base balance is crucial. Restricting the client's physical activities may worsen anxiety. A weight obtained after breakfast is more accurate than one obtained after the evening meal. Instructing the client to keep a record of food and fluid intake would reward the client with attention for not eating and would reinforce the control issues that are central to the underlying psychological problem; also, the client might record food and fluid intake inaccurately. Urine pH of 3.0
Explanation:
Normal urine pH is 4.5 to 8; therefore, a urine pH of 3.0 is abnormal and requires further investigation. Urine specific gravity normally ranges from 1.002 to 1.035, making this client's value normal. Normally, urine contains no protein, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, bacteria, casts, or crystals. Red blood cells should measure 0 to 3 per high-power field; white blood cells, 0 to 4 per high-power field. Urine should be clear, with color ranging from pale yellow to deep amber. Extreme anxiety
Explanation:
Extreme anxiety may lead to respiratory alkalosis by causing hyperventilation, which results in excessive carbon dioxide (CO2) loss. Other conditions that may set the stage for respiratory alkalosis include fever, heart failure, injury to the brain's respiratory center, overventilation with a mechanical ventilator, pulmonary embolism, and early salicylate intoxication. Type 1 diabetes may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis; the deep, rapid respirations occurring in this disorder (Kussmaul's respirations) don't cause excessive CO2 loss. Myasthenia gravis and opioid overdose suppress the respiratory drive, causing CO2 retention, not CO2 loss; this may lead to respiratory acidosis, not alkalosis. Urine pH of 3.0
Explanation:
Normal urine pH is 4.5 to 8; therefore, a urine pH of 3.0 is abnormal and requires further investigation. Urine specific gravity normally ranges from 1.002 to 1.035, making this client's value normal. Normally, urine contains no protein, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, bacteria, casts, or crystals. Red blood cells should measure 0 to 3 per high-power field; white blood cells, 0 to 4 per high-power field. Urine should be clear, with color ranging from pale yellow to deep amber. Extreme anxiety
Explanation:
Extreme anxiety may lead to respiratory alkalosis by causing hyperventilation, which results in excessive carbon dioxide (CO2) loss. Other conditions that may set the stage for respiratory alkalosis include fever, heart failure, injury to the brain's respiratory center, overventilation with a mechanical ventilator, pulmonary embolism, and early salicylate intoxication. Type 1 diabetes may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis; the deep, rapid respirations occurring in this disorder (Kussmaul's respirations) don't cause excessive CO2 loss. Myasthenia gravis and opioid overdose suppress the respiratory drive, causing CO2 retention, not CO2 loss; this may lead to respiratory acidosis, not alkalosis. ;