NCLEX-RN
Results Analysis Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client had arterial blood gases drawn. The results are a pH of 7.34, a partial pressure of carbon dioxide of 37 mm Hg (37 mm Hg), a partial pressure of oxygen of 79 mm Hg (79 mm Hg), and a bicarbonate level of 19 mEq/L (19 mmol/L). Which disorder should the nurse interpret that the client is experiencing?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Metabolic acidosis occurs when the pH falls to less than 7.35 and the bicarbonate level falls to less than 22 mEq/L (22 mmol/L). With metabolic alkalosis, the pH rises to more than 7.45 and the bicarbonate level rises to more than 27 mEq/L (27 mmol/L). With respiratory acidosis, the pH drops to less than 7.35 and the carbon dioxide level rises to more than 45 mm Hg. With respiratory alkalosis, the pH rises to more than 7.45 and the carbon dioxide level falls to less than 35 mm Hg.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse caring for a child diagnosed with kidney disease is analyzing the child's laboratory results and notes a sodium level of 148 mEq/L (148 mmol/L). On the basis of this finding, which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to note in the child?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypernatremia occurs when the sodium level is more than 145 mEq/L (145 mmol/L). Clinical manifestations include intense thirst, oliguria, agitation, restlessness, flushed skin, peripheral and pulmonary edema, dry and sticky mucous membranes, nausea, and vomiting. None of the remaining options are associated with the clinical manifestations of hypernatremia.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for an infant admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of hemolytic disease. Which finding should the nurse expect to note in this infant when reviewing the laboratory results?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The two primary pathophysiological alterations associated with hemolytic disease are anemia and hyperbilirubinemia. The red blood cell count is decreased because red blood cell production cannot keep pace with red blood cell destruction. Hyperbilirubinemia results from the red blood cell destruction that accompanies this disorder and from the normally decreased ability of the neonate's liver to conjugate and excrete bilirubin efficiently from the body. Hypoglycemia is associated with hypertrophy of the pancreatic islet cells and increased levels of insulin. The white blood cell count is not related to this disorder.
Question 4 of 5
Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) therapy is prescribed for a child diagnosed with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). What are the expected results of this medication?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: IVIG is usually effective to rapidly increase the platelet count. It is thought to act by interfering with the attachment of antibody-coded platelets to receptors on the macrophage cells of the reticuloendothelial system. Corticosteroids may be prescribed to enhance vascular stability and decrease the production of antiplatelet antibodies. Based on this information, the remaining options are unrelated to the administration of this medication.
Question 5 of 5
A child was diagnosed with acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis and renal insufficiency. Which laboratory result should the nurse expect to note in the child?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: With poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, a urinalysis will reveal hematuria with red cell casts. Proteinuria is also present. If renal insufficiency is severe, the BUN and creatinine levels will be elevated. The WBC is usually within normal limits, and mild anemia is common. Platelets would be lower, whereas glucose is not related.