Question

A Client has the following laboratory values: a pH of 7.55, an HCO-3 level of 22 mEq/L, and a Pco2 of 30 mm Hg. Which action would the nurse plan to take?

A. Perform Allen's test
B. Prepare the client for dialysis
C. Administer insulin as prescribed
D. Encourage the client to slow down breathing

Answer 1

The nurse would encourage the client to slow down breathing in order to restore normal CO2 levels and bring the pH back within the normal range.

Step-by-step explanation:

A client with a pH of 7.55, an HCO-3 level of 22 mEq/L, and a Pco2 of 30 mm Hg is experiencing respiratory alkalosis, which is characterized by a high pH and low CO2 levels. In this case, the nurse would encourage the client to slow down breathing in order to restore normal CO2 levels and bring the pH back within the normal range.

Answer 2

The client's lab values indicate respiratory alkalosis, the appropriate nursing action is to encourage the client to slow down breathing to correct the CO₂ imbalance (option D).

Step-by-step explanation:

The laboratory values given for the client indicate a pH of 7.55, an HCO⁻³ level of 22 mEq/L, and a PCO₂ of 30 mm Hg. These values suggest that the client is experiencing respiratory alkalosis, as the pH is above the normal range of 7.35-7.45, HCO⁻³is within normal range (indicating not metabolic), and PCO₂ is below the normal range of 35-48 mm Hg for males and 32-45 mm Hg for females. In respiratory alkalosis, CO₂ deficiency is present in the bloodstream, initially leaving bicarbonate concentration normal.

However, the kidneys may begin to compensate by excreting bicarbonate, lowering its concentration. In this case, there is not yet evidence of renal compensation since the bicarbonate level is within the normal range.

The most appropriate action for the nurse to take would be D. Encourage the client to slow down breathing. This would help the client retain more CO₂, thus increasing the PCO₂ level towards normal and helping to correct the alkalotic state.

Hence, the answer is option D.