Question

The nurse notes a base excess of 6 on a client's ABG values. Which of the following scenarios does the nurse initially suspect is occurring with the client?

A. Metabolic alkalosis
B. Respiratory acidosis
C. Metabolic acidosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis

Answer 1

A nurse noting a base excess of 6 on a client's ABG values initially suspects metabolic alkalosis, which is characterized by an excess of bicarbonate leading to an alkaline state in the blood.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse notes a base excess of 6 on a client's ABG values. This lab result is indicative of metabolic alkalosis. A base excess occurs when there is an excess of bicarbonate in the blood, leading to a higher pH and an alkaline state. This condition can be a result of various factors such as loss of acid through vomiting or excessive bicarbonate intake.

In the context of ABG analysis, compensation mechanisms involve changes in ventilation (respiratory) to correct the pH balance. However, since we are focusing on the base excess, the initially suspected scenario without other parameters would be metabolic alkalosis.