Interpret the following ABG: pH 7.44, PaCo2 48mmHg, HCO3 30 Meq/L

normal ABG

metabolic acidosis

metabolic alkalosis

respiratory acidosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Rationale:
A. Normal ABG would have pH between 7.35–7.45, PaCO₂ between 35–45 mmHg, and HCO₃⁻ between 22–26 mEq/L. This ABG is not fully normal.
B. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by low pH and low HCO₃⁻, which is not the case here.
C. Metabolic alkalosis shows elevated HCO₃⁻ (30 mEq/L) and a near-normal but slightly alkalotic pH (7.44). The elevated PaCO₂ (48 mmHg) suggests partial respiratory compensation.
D. Respiratory acidosis would have a low pH and high PaCO₂, which doesn't match this ABG.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Rationale:
A. pH: 7.48 is elevated (normal: 7.35–7.45). This indicates alkalosis. pCO₂: 42 mm Hg is normal (normal: 35–45 mm Hg). HCO₃⁻: 32 mEq/L is elevated (normal: 22–26 mEq/L) hence pointing towards a primary metabolic cause. Since the pH is high and the HCO₃⁻ is also high, with a normal pCO₂, this is clearly a case of metabolic alkalosis.

B. Respiratory acidosis would have low pH and high pCO₂.
C. Metabolic acidosis would have low pH and low HCO₃⁻.
D. Respiratory alkalosis would have high pH and low pCO.

A. Respiratory alkalosis B. Respiratory acidosis C. Metabolic alkalosis D. Metabolic acidosis

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Respiratory alkalosis would present with an elevated pH and decreased PaCO₂, which is not consistent with these results.
B. Respiratory acidosis is indicated by a low pH (7.20) and an elevated PaCO₂ (50 mm Hg), with a normal HCO₃⁻ (24 mEq/L), suggesting uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
C. Metabolic alkalosis would present with an increased pH and elevated HCO₃⁻.
D. Metabolic acidosis would show a low pH and low HCO₃⁻, not an elevated PaCO₂.

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Interpret the following ABG: pH 7.44, PaCo2 48mmHg, HCO3 30 Meq/L

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Arterial blood gas levels are obtained for the client. If the client's results are pH 7.48, pCo2 42mmHg, and HCO3 32 mEq/L, the client is exhibiting which one of the following acid-base imbalances?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client whose arterial blood gas results show the following results: PH: 7.2 PaCO2: 50 mm Hg HCO3: 24 mEq/L The nurse should identify the client is experiencing which of the following acid-base conditions?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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