Fluid and Electrolytes NCLEX RN Questions Related

Review Fluid and Electrolytes NCLEX RN Questions related questions and content

The nurse is reviewing a client's arterial blood gas (ABG) results who has a nasogastric tube (NGT) attached to continuous suction. The ABG results reveal the following: pH 7.50 [7.35-7.45], PaCO2 42 mmHg [35-45 mm Hg], HCO3- 35 mEq/L [22-28 mEq/L]. The nurse should interpret these results to indicate that the client has

  • A. respiratory acidosis
  • B. respiratory alkalosis
  • C. metabolic acidosis
  • D. metabolic alkalosis
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: High pH (7.50) and elevated HCO3- (35 mEq/L) with normal PaCO2 indicate metabolic alkalosis (D), likely due to loss of gastric acid from NGT suction.