NCLEX RN Practice Questions Free Related

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Which of the following would differentiate acute from chronic respiratory acidosis in the assessment of the trauma client?

  • A. Increased PaCO2
  • B. Decreased PaO2
  • C. Increased HCO3
  • D. Decreased base excess
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Increased PaCO2 is present in both acute and chronic respiratory acidosis due to hypoventilation. Decreased PaO2 may occur in respiratory acidosis but does not differentiate acute from chronic. Increased HCO3 indicates renal compensation, which occurs in chronic respiratory acidosis as the body attempts to buffer the excess CO2, but not in acute cases where compensation has not yet occurred. Decreased base excess is not specific to differentiating acute from chronic respiratory acidosis.