ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation Related

Review ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing excessive diarrhea. The clients arterial blood gas values are pH 7.28, PaO2 98 mm Hg, PaCO2 45 mm Hg, and HCO3 16 mEq/L. Which provider order should the nurse expect to receive?

  • A. Furosemide (Lasix) 40 mg intravenous push
  • B. Sodium bicarbonate 100 mEq diluted in 1 L of D5W
  • C. Mechanical ventilation
  • D. Indwelling urinary catheter
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sodium bicarbonate 100 mEq diluted in 1 L of D5W. In this case, the client is experiencing metabolic acidosis due to low HCO3 levels (16 mEq/L) with a low pH (7.28). Sodium bicarbonate helps correct metabolic acidosis by increasing the HCO3 levels. Furosemide (A) is a diuretic and can worsen the client's electrolyte imbalance. Mechanical ventilation (C) is not indicated for metabolic acidosis. Indwelling urinary catheter (D) does not address the underlying acid-base imbalance. Therefore, the nurse should expect the provider to order sodium bicarbonate to correct the metabolic acidosis.