The nurse is evaluating the arterial blood gas (ABG) of a client who was admitted in status asthmaticus. Which ABG result would indicate the client has an improved acid-base status?

pH 7.37, PaO2 90 mmHg, PaCO2 44 mmHg, HCO3 22 mEq/L

pH 7.36, PaO2 60 mmHg, PaCO2 45 mmHg, HCO3 22 mEq/L

pH 7.48, PaO2 80 mmHg, PaCO2 32 mmHg, HCO3 18 mEq/L

pH 7.27, PaO2 70 mmHg, PaCO2 38 mmHg, HCO3 14 mEq/L

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason:

A pH of 7.37, PaO2 of 90 mmHg, PaCO2 of 44 mmHg, and HCO3 of 22 mEq/L indicate a near-normal acid-base balance and adequate oxygenation. The pH is within the normal range (7.35-7.45), suggesting that the client’s acid-base status has improved. The PaO2 is also within the normal range (80-100 mmHg), indicating good oxygenation.

Choice B reason:

A pH of 7.36, PaO2 of 60 mmHg, PaCO2 of 45 mmHg, and HCO3 of 22 mEq/L indicate a slightly acidic pH and hypoxemia (low PaO2). While the pH is close to normal, the low PaO2 suggests that the client is still experiencing significant respiratory distress.

Choice C reason:

A pH of 7.48, PaO2 of 80 mmHg, PaCO2 of 32 mmHg, and HCO3 of 18 mEq/L indicate alkalosis (high pH) and a low PaCO2, which may suggest hyperventilation. This is not an improved acid-base status as it indicates an imbalance.

Choice D reason:

A pH of 7.27, PaO2 of 70 mmHg, PaCO2 of 38 mmHg, and HCO3 of 14 mEq/L indicate acidosis (low pH) and hypoxemia. This result suggests that the client is still in significant respiratory distress and has not achieved an improved acid-base status.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Elevating the client’s head of the bed to 45 degrees is important for promoting optimal lung expansion and reducing the risk of aspiration. However, it is not the first priority when preparing for tracheostomy care. Ensuring adequate oxygenation is more critical in the immediate preparation phase.

Choice B reason: Hyper-oxygenating the client using an Ambu bag is the first priority. This step is crucial to ensure that the client has sufficient oxygen reserves before the tracheostomy care procedure begins. Hyper-oxygenation helps prevent hypoxia during suctioning, which can be particularly important for clients with COPD who may already have compromised respiratory function.

Choice C reason: Opening the suction and tracheostomy kits is necessary for the procedure, but it should be done after ensuring the client is adequately oxygenated. Preparing the equipment is important, but patient safety and oxygenation take precedence.

Choice D reason: Suctioning the client using aseptic technique is a critical part of tracheostomy care to maintain a patent airway and prevent infection. However, this should be done after the client has been hyper-oxygenated to ensure they are stable and to minimize the risk of hypoxia during the procedure.

A. Bradycardia, lethargy, confusion. B. Hypotension, vomiting, cyanosis. C. Bradycardia, dyspnea, cyanosis. D. Restlessness, confusion, tachycardia.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Early signs of hypoxia, which is a condition where the body or a region of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply, often include symptoms such as restlessness, confusion, and tachycardia (rapid heart rate). These symptoms occur because the body is trying to compensate for the lack of oxygen by increasing heart rate and causing a state of agitation or confusion.

Choice A reason:

Bradycardia, lethargy, confusion are not typically early signs of hypoxia. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is more commonly associated with severe or prolonged hypoxia rather than early stages. Lethargy and confusion can occur, but they are not as immediate as restlessness and tachycardia.

Choice B reason:

Hypotension, vomiting, cyanosis are also not early signs of hypoxia. Hypotension (low blood pressure) and cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin) are more advanced signs indicating severe hypoxia. Vomiting is not a common symptom of hypoxia and is more likely related to other conditions.

Choice C reason:

Bradycardia, dyspnea, cyanosis includes symptoms that are more indicative of advanced hypoxia. Dyspnea (difficulty breathing) and cyanosis are signs that the body has been deprived of oxygen for a longer period. Bradycardia is not an early sign and usually occurs later in the progression of hypoxia.

Choice D reason:

Restlessness, confusion, tachycardia are classic early signs of hypoxia. Restlessness and confusion occur due to the brain’s response to low oxygen levels, while tachycardia is the body’s attempt to increase oxygen delivery to tissues by pumping blood more rapidly. These symptoms are the body’s initial compensatory mechanisms to address the lack of oxygen.

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The nurse is evaluating the arterial blood gas (ABG) of a client who was admitted in status asthmaticus. Which ABG result would indicate the client has an improved acid-base status?

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