A nurse assesses a client who is admitted with an acid-base imbalance. The clients arterial blood gas values are pH 7.32, PaO2 85 mm Hg, PaCO2 34 mm Hg, and HCO3 16 mEq/L. What action should the nurse take next?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess clients rate, rhythm, and depth of respiration. The arterial blood gas values indicate a respiratory acidosis due to low pH and low PaCO2. The nurse should assess the respiratory status to determine if the client is hypoventilating, which is causing the retention of CO2 and subsequent acidosis. Assessing the rate, rhythm, and depth of respiration will help determine if the client requires immediate intervention such as oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, or respiratory treatment. Choice B is incorrect because measuring pulse and blood pressure does not directly address the underlying cause of the acid-base imbalance. Choice C is incorrect as the nurse should take immediate action to address the imbalance rather than passively monitoring. Choice D is incorrect as immediate intervention is needed to address the respiratory acidosis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Apply oxygen by mask or nasal cannula. The client is experiencing respiratory acidosis due to inadequate ventilation and oxygenation during the seizure. Providing oxygen will help improve oxygenation and correct the respiratory acidosis. This is the priority to address the immediate physiological need. Choice B is incorrect as applying a paper bag can lead to rebreathing of carbon dioxide, worsening the respiratory acidosis. Choice C is incorrect as sodium bicarbonate is not indicated in this situation and can potentially worsen the acid-base imbalance. Choice D is incorrect as administering glucose and insulin is not relevant to correcting the respiratory acidosis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "I will drink at least three glasses of milk each day." Milk is a good source of calcium and bicarbonate, which can help buffer excess acids in the body and prevent metabolic acidosis. Calcium also plays a role in maintaining the acid-base balance. Option B is incorrect because while eating well-balanced meals is important for overall health, it does not specifically address the prevention of metabolic acidosis. Option C is irrelevant to the prevention of metabolic acidosis. Option D is incorrect because avoiding salting food does not directly address the underlying issue of metabolic acidosis related to malnutrition.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Anxiety-induced hyperventilation. The arterial blood gas values show a pH of 7.48 (alkalosis) with low PaCO2 (respiratory alkalosis), which is consistent with hyperventilation due to anxiety. HCO3 is within normal range, ruling out metabolic causes. A: Diarrhea and vomiting would lead to metabolic acidosis with low pH and decreased HCO3. C: COPD would typically present with respiratory acidosis (high PaCO2) and normal to high HCO3. D: Diabetic ketoacidosis and emphysema would show metabolic acidosis with low pH and low HCO3.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because taking sodium bicarbonate after every meal can actually increase the risk of metabolic alkalosis due to its alkaline nature. Sodium bicarbonate can lead to an excessive build-up of bicarbonate in the bloodstream, causing alkalosis. Choice A is not directly related to metabolic alkalosis. Choice B, taking digoxin, is unrelated to metabolic alkalosis as well. Choice D, drinking six glasses of water due to sweating, does not contribute to metabolic alkalosis as it helps maintain hydration and electrolyte balance.