Acid base imbalance activity
The nurse is caring for a 65 yrs old patient (Mr. Smith) with a history of irritable
bowel disease. The patient has had persistent diarrhea for the past three days and is
now demonstrating signs of dehydration. Upon admission to the medical surgical
unit, the patient was observed to be hyperventilating. ABG results shows PH 7.31,
HCO3- =20mEq/L, PaCO2=31mmHg, and PaO2=80mmHg.
NORMAL ABG VALUES
PH: 7.35- 7.45
HC03: 21-28
Pac02: 35-45
Pao2: 80-100
1.) Identify the acid base imbalance in Mr. Smith.
A.) metabolic alkalosis
B.) Respiratory acidosis
C.) Metabolic acidosis
D.) Respiratory alkalosis
2.) What is the direct cause of the acid-base imbalance in Mr. Smith above?
A.) Age
B.) Dehydration
C.) Hyperventilation
D.) diarrhea
3.) Which lab value should the nurse pay close attention to given Mr. Smith’s current
condition?
A.) Magnesium
B.) Potassium
C.) CBC
D.) BNP
4.) Identify a reliable nursing assessment for dehydration in Mr Smith
A.) Checking skin turgor at the sternum
B.) Assessing mucus membrane
C.) Recording intake and output
D. Measuring body weight
5.) Is there a compensatory mechanism occurring in Mr. Smith? If yes what is it?
A.) No
B.) Yes, Hyperventilation
C.) Yes, PaO2 within normal limits
D.) Yes, Respiratory Acidosis