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The client has just returned from OR with respirations of 8 per minute. What set of ABG's would the nurse expect to see?

A.

pH 7.30. PaCO2 38 P02 92, HCO3 15

B.

pH 7.32. PaCO2 56, PO2 84, HCO3 26

C.

pH 7.37. PaCO2:45, PO2 91, HCO3 24

D.

pH 7.48. PaCO2 32, PO2 94. HCO3 22

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. pH 7.30, PaCO₂ 38, HCO₃ 15: Metabolic acidosis (low HCO₃, normal PaCO₂).

B. pH 7.32, PaCO₂ 56, PO₂ 84, HCO₃ 26: The client has respirations of 8/min, which indicates hypoventilation → CO₂ retention → respiratory acidosis. pH 7.32 indicates acidosis. PaCO₂ 56 mmHg - Elevated CO₂ (hypercapnia), confirming respiratory acidosis. HCO₃ 26- Normal bicarbonate suggests that compensation has not yet occurred

C. pH 7.37, PaCO₂ 45, HCO₃ 24:  Normal ABG values.

D. pH 7.48, PaCO₂ 32, HCO₃ 22: Respiratory alkalosis (low PaCO₂ due to hyperventilation, not hypoventilation).


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"C"}

Explanation

Respiratory acidosis- Due to opioid-induced respiratory depression (hypoventilation, CO₂ retention). Hypervolemia: IVF at 150ml/hr is a relatively high rate for someone with CHF. Even isotonic fluids like 0.9% sodium chloride can accumulate quickly and worsen cardiac workload.

Incorrect answers:

  • Metabolic alkalosis: typically occurs due to vomiting or excessive bicarbonate intake.
  • Osteomyelitis: Infection of the bone; not a direct risk in this scenario.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Assess the fistula with a large bore needle: Large bore needles are used during dialysis sessions, not for routine assessment. Inappropriate needling can damage the fistula.

B. Auscultate the fistula site for a bruit: A functional AV fistula should have a palpable thrill (vibration) and an audible bruit (whooshing sound) when auscultated with a stethoscope. These findings confirm adequate blood flow and patency.

C. Measure the blood pressure in the affected arm: Blood pressure measurements should never be taken on the fistula arm to prevent compression and potential fistula failure.

D. Assess the rate and quality of the radial pulse on the affected arm: The radial pulse does not accurately assess AV fistula patency; the focus should be on the thrill and bruit.

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