Correct Answer: B

Rationale: This is incorrect because 120 to 140 mEq/L is a low range for serum sodium, which indicates hyponatremia. Hyponatremia can cause confusion, lethargy, seizures, and coma. This is correct because 135 to 145 mEq/L is the normal range of serum sodium in adults. Sodium is essential for fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. This is incorrect because 150 to 160 mEq/L is a high range for serum sodium, which indicates hypernatremia. Hypernatremia can cause thirst, dry mouth, agitation, and convulsions. This is incorrect because 165 to 175 mEq/L is a very high range for serum sodium, which indicates severe hypernatremia. Severe hypernatremia can cause irreversible brain damage and death.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: For an average adult, the total intake should be approximately equal to the total output every day.
Therefore, if the patient's total output is 2200 mL, the total intake should also be around 2200 mL. 3000 mL is more than the recommended daily fluid intake for an average adult, which is about 2500 mL. If the patient's intake is higher than their output, they may develop fluid overload or edema. 3800 mL is much more than the recommended daily fluid intake for an average adult, which is about 2500 mL. If the patient's intake is higher than their output, they may develop fluid overload or edema. 2400 mL is slightly less than the recommended daily fluid intake for an average adult, which is about 2500 mL. However, if the patient's intake is lower than their output, they may develop dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, which lowers the carbon dioxide levels in the blood and raises the pH. This is not likely to occur in a client with a nasogastric tube on low suction. Metabolic acidosis is caused by an excess of acids or a loss of bases in the body, which lowers the pH. This can occur in conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure, or diarrhea. This is not likely to occur in a client with a nasogastric tube on low suction. Respiratory acidosis is caused by hypoventilation, which raises the carbon dioxide levels in the blood and lowers the pH. This can occur in conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, or sedative overdose. This is not likely to occur in a client with a nasogastric tube on low suction. Metabolic alkalosis is caused by a loss of acids or an excess of bases in the body, which raises the pH. This can occur in conditions such as vomiting, gastric suction, or diuretic use. This is the most likely acid-base disorder to occur in a client with a nasogastric tube on low suction, as the tube removes gastric acid from the stomach.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: This is incorrect because low HCO3- and high PaCO2 are signs of metabolic acidosis, not alkalosis. Metabolic acidosis is a condition where the blood pH is lower than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, due to an excess of acids or a loss of bases in the body. This is incorrect because low PaCO2 and low HCO3- are signs of respiratory acidosis, not alkalosis. Respiratory acidosis is a condition where the blood pH is lower than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, due to impaired gas exchange or hypoventilation, which causes carbon dioxide to accumulate in the blood. This is correct because low PaCO2 and high HCO3- are signs of alkalosis. Alkalosis is a condition where the blood pH is higher than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, due to a loss of acids or an excess of bases in the body. There are two types of alkalosis: respiratory and metabolic. Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, which lowers the PaCO2 in the blood. Metabolic alkalosis is caused by vomiting, diuretics, or excessive intake of antacids, which raises the HCO3- in the blood. This is incorrect because high PaCO2 and high HCO3- are signs of compensation, not alkalosis. Compensation is a process where the body tries to restore the normal pH by adjusting the levels of PaCO2 and HCO3- in the opposite direction of the primary disorder.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: This is a low value for serum calcium, which indicates hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia can cause muscle spasms, tetany, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias. This is also a low value for serum calcium, which indicates hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia can cause muscle spasms, tetany, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias. This is the normal range of serum calcium in adults. Calcium is essential for bone health, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. This is a high value for serum calcium, which indicates hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, confusion, lethargy, and kidney stones.