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The nurse is caring for a patient receiving a continuous albuterol nebulizer for an acute asthma attack. Which arterial blood gas result would indicate that the treatment has been effective?

ABG Value

Normal Range

pH

7.35- 7.45

PaCO2

35-45 mm Hg

HCO3

22-25 mEq/L

Base excess

-2 to +2

PaO2

80-95 mm Hg

SaO2

>95%

A.

pH 7.39, PaO2 88 mmHg, PaCO2 35 mmHg, HCO3 23 mEq/L

B.

pH 7.52, PaO2 86 mmHg, PaCO2 30 mmHg, HCO3 22 mEq/L

C.

pH 7.35, PaO2 75 mmHg, PaCO2 48 mmHg, HCO3 27 mEq/L

D.

pH 7.30, PaO2 90 mmHg, PaCO2 44 mmHg, HCO3 18 mEq/L

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. A pH within the normal range, a PaCO2 within the normal range, and an improved PaO2 level suggest effective treatment for an asthma attack, indicating adequate gas exchange and resolution of respiratory distress.

B. A pH of 7.52 and low PaCO2 suggest respiratory alkalosis, which can occur with hyperventilation and may indicate overventilation rather than effective asthma treatment.

C. This result shows elevated PaCO2 and borderline low PaO2, indicating ongoing respiratory acidosis and hypoxia, suggesting the treatment is not yet effective.

D. This ABG result shows low pH, indicating acidosis, and a low bicarbonate level, which may indicate metabolic acidosis rather than effective asthma management.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Posterior cord injury usually affects proprioception rather than causing a distinctive pattern of motor and sensory loss.

B. Anterior cord injury generally impacts motor function and temperature and pain sensation bilaterally, not in a hemisection pattern.

C. Central cord injury primarily affects motor function in the upper extremities and is not characterized by ipsilateral motor and contralateral sensory loss.

D. Brown-Sequard syndrome typically presents with motor function loss on the same (ipsilateral) side of the injury and loss of pain and temperature sensation on the opposite (contralateral) side, making this the most likely diagnosis.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Appetite changes are a possible side effect but are not as critical to report immediately.

B. Severe abdominal pain may indicate pancreatitis or liver issues, both serious side effects of valproic acid that require prompt medical attention.

C. Mild indigestion can be a common, non-serious side effect of valproic acid and does not typically require urgent attention.

D. Weight gain is another common side effect of valproic acid but does not necessitate immediate reporting unless it becomes significant.

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