1) A client is brought to the emergency department (ED) after passing out in a local department
store. The client has been fasting and has ketones in
... [Show More] the urine. Which acid-base imbalance would the
nurse expect to assess in this client?
A) Metabolic acidosis
B) Respiratory alkalosis
C) Metabolic alkalosis
D) Respiratory acidosis Answer: A
Explanation: A) A client who is fasting is at risk for development of metabolic acidosis. The body
recognizes fasting as starvation and begins to metabolize its own fatty acids into ketones, which are
metabolic acids. Starvation would not result in respiratory acidosis or alkalosis or in metabolic alkalosis.
B) A client who is fasting is at risk for development of metabolic acidosis. The body recognizes
fasting as starvation and begins to metabolize its own fatty acids into ketones, which are metabolic
acids. Starvation would not result in respiratory acidosis or alkalosis or in metabolic alkalosis.
C) A client who is fasting is at risk for development of metabolic acidosis. The body recognizes
fasting as starvation and begins to metabolize its own fatty acids into ketones, which are metabolic
acids. Starvation would not result in respiratory acidosis or alkalosis or in metabolic alkalosis.
D) A client who is fasting is at risk for development of metabolic acidosis. The body recognizes
fasting as starvation and begins to metabolize its own fatty acids into ketones, which are metabolic
acids. Starvation would not result in respiratory acidosis or alkalosis or in metabolic alkalosis.
Page Ref: 6
Cognitive Level: Analyzing
Client Need/Sub: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation
Standards: QSEN Competencies: III.A.1. Demonstrate knowledge of basic scientific methods and
processes. | AACN Essential Competencies: IX.3. Implement holistic, patient-centered care that reflects
an understanding of human growth and development, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical
management and nursing management across the health-illness continuum, across lifespan, and in all
healthcare settings. | NLN Competencies: Knowledge and Science: Relationships between
knowledge/science and quality and safe patient care. | Nursing Process: Assessment
Learning Outcome: 1.2. Differentiate alte [Show Less]