Interpret the following ABG: pH 7.49, pCo2 30 mmHg, HCO3 23 Meq/L. PaO2 96 mmHg. SaO2 98%
respiratory alkalosis
metabolic alkalosis
respiratory acidosis.
metabolic acidosis
The Correct Answer is A
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⁻
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Urine specific gravity of 1.035 indicates concentrated urine and dehydration but is less immediately dangerous than severe hypokalemia.
B. Weight loss of 3% is significant but less immediately life-threatening.
C. Potassium of 2.5 mEq/L is severely low (normal 3.5–5.0 mEq/L) and can cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias and muscle weakness, making it the priority.
D. Blood glucose of 150 mg/dL is mildly elevated and less urgent
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Dysrhythmias may occur due to increased CO₂ levels and acid-base imbalance affecting cardiac conduction.
B. Barrel chest is a common physical finding in clients with chronic COPD due to air trapping and lung hyperinflation.
C. Difficulty arousing the client may indicate CO₂ narcosis, a sign of worsening respiratory acidosis.
D. Confusion and disorientation, such as repeatedly asking "Where am I?", are neurological signs of elevated CO₂ levels.
E. Deep, rapid respirations (Kussmaul respirations) are typical of metabolic acidosis, not respiratory acidosis from COPD.
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