Critical Care Nursing Cardiac Questions Related

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The nurse is managing a donor patient six hours prior to th e scheduled harvesting of the patient’s organs. Which assessment finding requires imme diate action by the nurse?

  • A. Morning serum blood glucose of 128 mg/dL
  • B. pH 7.30; PaCO 38 mm Hg; HCO 16 mEq/L 2 3
  • C. Pulmonary artery temperature of 97.8° F
  • D. Central venous pressure of 8 mm Hg
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The patient's pH of 7.30 indicates acidosis, PaCO2 of 38 mm Hg is low, and HCO3 of 16 mEq/L is also low, suggesting metabolic acidosis. This finding requires immediate action as untreated acidosis can lead to serious complications.
Choice A (morning serum blood glucose of 128 mg/dL) is within normal range and does not require immediate action.
Choice C (pulmonary artery temperature of 97.8°F) is a normal temperature and does not require immediate action.
Choice D (central venous pressure of 8 mm Hg) is within normal range and does not require immediate action.