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ATI MED SURG RESPIRATORY PROCTORED EXAM
TEST BANK NEWEST 2025/2026 COMPLETE
QUESTIONS AND 100% CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES (VERIFIED AND GRADED A+)
A nurse is caring for a client who is extremely anxious and
is hyperventilating. The client's ABG results are pH 7.50,
PaCO2 27 mmHg, and HCO3- 25 mEq/L. The nurse
should identify that the client has which of the following
acid-base imbalances?
A. - Respiratory acidosis
B. - Metabolic acidosis
C. - Respiratory alkalosis
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D. - Metabolic alkalosis - ANSWER-C. - Respiratory
alkalosis
Because of rapid breathing, the client is exhaling
excessive amounts of carbon dioxide. This loss of carbon
dioxide decreases the hydrogen ion level of the blood,
which causes the pH to increase and results in respiratory
alkalosis.
Incorrect Answers:
A. - Respiratory acidosis reflects an increase in carbon
dioxide resulting from inadequate excretion and an
increase in the hydrogen ion level (i.e. decreased pH) of
the blood. Common causes of this acid-base imbalance
are airway obstruction and respiratory depression.</p>
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B. - Metabolic acidosis results from a metabolic
disturbance such as diabetic ketoacidosis or excessive
ingestion of alcohol or salicylates, not a respiratory
problem.
D. - Metabolic alkalosis results from a metabolic
disturbance such as prolonged vomiting or excessive
nasogastric suctioning, not a respiratory problem.
A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD) and is experiencing shortness
of breath. Which of the following actions should the nurse
perform first?
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A. - Monitor the client's arterial blood gas results
B. - Instruct the client to perform controlled coughing
C. - Teach the client how to use pursed-lip breathing
D. - Place the client in an upright position - ANSWER-D. -
Place the client in an upright position
Using the airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC)
approach to client care, the nurse should place the client
in an upright position to facilitate chest expansion and
proper diaphragmatic contraction. Positioning the client
upright will also assist with mobilizing secretions that might
be impeding airflow.
Incorrect Answers:
ATI MED SURG RESPIRATORY PROCTORED EXAM
TEST BANK NEWEST 2025/2026 COMPLETE
QUESTIONS AND 100% CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES (VERIFIED AND GRADED A+)
A nurse is caring for a client who is extremely anxious and
is hyperventilating. The client's ABG results are pH 7.50,
PaCO2 27 mmHg, and HCO3- 25 mEq/L. The nurse
should identify that the client has which of the following
acid-base imbalances?
A. - Respiratory acidosis
B. - Metabolic acidosis
C. - Respiratory alkalosis
,2|Page
D. - Metabolic alkalosis - ANSWER-C. - Respiratory
alkalosis
Because of rapid breathing, the client is exhaling
excessive amounts of carbon dioxide. This loss of carbon
dioxide decreases the hydrogen ion level of the blood,
which causes the pH to increase and results in respiratory
alkalosis.
Incorrect Answers:
A. - Respiratory acidosis reflects an increase in carbon
dioxide resulting from inadequate excretion and an
increase in the hydrogen ion level (i.e. decreased pH) of
the blood. Common causes of this acid-base imbalance
are airway obstruction and respiratory depression.</p>
,3|Page
B. - Metabolic acidosis results from a metabolic
disturbance such as diabetic ketoacidosis or excessive
ingestion of alcohol or salicylates, not a respiratory
problem.
D. - Metabolic alkalosis results from a metabolic
disturbance such as prolonged vomiting or excessive
nasogastric suctioning, not a respiratory problem.
A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD) and is experiencing shortness
of breath. Which of the following actions should the nurse
perform first?
, 4|Page
A. - Monitor the client's arterial blood gas results
B. - Instruct the client to perform controlled coughing
C. - Teach the client how to use pursed-lip breathing
D. - Place the client in an upright position - ANSWER-D. -
Place the client in an upright position
Using the airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC)
approach to client care, the nurse should place the client
in an upright position to facilitate chest expansion and
proper diaphragmatic contraction. Positioning the client
upright will also assist with mobilizing secretions that might
be impeding airflow.
Incorrect Answers:
