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NCLEX · Common Lab Values

A nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube to suction who is at risk for which acid-base imbalance?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Metabolic alkalosis (from loss of stomach acid/hydrochloric acid)

  1. A Metabolic alkalosis (from loss of stomach acid/hydrochloric acid)
  2. B Respiratory acidosis
  3. C Respiratory alkalosis
  4. D No imbalance

Why this is the answer

A client with prolonged NASOGASTRIC (NG) SUCTION or excessive VOMITING is at risk for METABOLIC ALKALOSIS — because they lose HYDROCHLORIC ACID (stomach acid, which contains H+ and chloride) from the stomach, raising blood pH (less acid = more alkaline). NCLEX physiological/acid-base. Also lost: potassium and chloride (risk of hypokalemia, hypochloremia).

Monitor: electrolytes, acid-base status, replace fluids/electrolytes as ordered.

Acid-base quick reference: vomiting/NG suction → metabolic alkalosis; diarrhea → metabolic acidosis (loss of bicarbonate); hypoventilation → respiratory acidosis (CO2 retention); hyperventilation → respiratory alkalosis (CO2 blown off). Knowing that loss of stomach acid (vomiting/NG suction) causes metabolic alkalosis is a commonly tested NCLEX acid-base concept.

Source: NCLEX Physiological — Acid-Base (NG Suction/Metabolic Alkalosis)

Practice more questions

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About this topic: Common Lab Values

Common lab values questions test the normal ranges you must know cold — sodium, potassium, glucose, hemoglobin, platelets, INR, creatinine, BUN, ABGs — and the nursing action when a value is critical. This is one of 10 RN: Physiological Integrity questions on common lab values, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our NCLEX exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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