A female client is in the first trimester of pregnancy. She has experienced approximately one week of severe nausea with frequent vomiting. Interpret the following ABG for this patient. pH 7.44, pCO2 30. HCO3 30.
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Normal ABG
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. The pH is on the upper edge of normal, indicating alkalosis. The HCO₃ is elevated (30 mEq/L), pointing to a metabolic cause (consistent with vomiting, which leads to hydrogen ion loss). The low pCO₂ (30 mmHg) suggests respiratory compensation for the metabolic alkalosis.
B. Respiratory acidosis is associated with low pH and high pCO₂, which are not present here.
C. Respiratory alkalosis would show high pH and low pCO₂ with normal or low HCO₃ — not elevated HCO₃.
D. Although the pH is within the normal range (7.35–7.45), the values of pCO₂ and HCO₃ are both abnormal, indicating compensated metabolic alkalosis, not a normal ABG.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Magnesium plays a role in acid-base balance and influences potassium levels.
B. Sodium is important but less directly related to acid-base balance than potassium and magnesium.
C. Potassium is critical to monitor because acid-base imbalances often cause shifts in potassium levels, affecting cardiac function.
D. Calcium levels can be affected but are less immediately critical than potassium and magnesium.
E. Phosphate is involved in metabolism but is not a primary electrolyte monitored for acid-base balance.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. pH: 7.49 is elevated (normal range: 7.35–7.45), indicating alkalosis. PaCO₂: 30 mmHg is low (normal range: 35–45 mmHg), reflecting respiratory alkalosis. HCO₃⁻: 23 mEq/L is normal (normal range: 22–26 mEq/L) → Not a metabolic cause. PaO₂: 96 mmHg and SaO₂: 98% indicates normal oxygenation. Since the pH is high (alkalotic), and the PaCO₂ is low (respiratory alkalosis cause), and HCO₃⁻ is normal, the imbalance is uncompensated respiratory alkalosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis would show high pH and high HCO₃⁻
C. Respiratory acidosis would show low pH and high PaCO₂
D. Metabolic acidosis would show low pH and low HCO₃⁻
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.