A patient's arterial blood gas results are pH 7.48, PaCO2 30 mmHg and HCO3 23 mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these results?
Correct answer: A. Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis
- A. Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis
- B. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
- C. Partially compensated metabolic alkalosis
- D. Fully compensated metabolic acidosis
Explanation
The high pH shows alkalemia and the low PaCO2 identifies a respiratory cause. The normal bicarbonate indicates that significant metabolic compensation has not developed, so this is uncompensated respiratory alkalosis.
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About Respiratory Nursing
Covers nursing assessment and management of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, tuberculosis, pleural disorders and respiratory failure. Key areas include breath sounds, oxygen therapy, airway suctioning, inhaled medicines, arterial blood gases and the difference between hypoxia, hypoxemia and carbon dioxide retention.
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