Question

A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas values for a client. The pH is 7.32, PaCO2 48 mm Hg and the HCO3 is 23 mEq/L. The nurse should recognize that these findings indicate of which of the following acid base balances? Respiratory acidosis O Respiratory alkalosis Metabolic acidosis Metabolic alkalosis

Answer 1

Answer:

Respiratory acidosis:

The nurse must always recognize the respirations of the patients in order to access the acid base balances. Findings indicating excess of CO2 retention indicate a condition known as respiratory acidosis. The potential symptoms of this condition involve headache, confusion, restlessness, apprehension and tachycardia. Findings depicting a pH less than 7.35, HCO3- greater than 28mEq/L and PaCO2 greater than 45 mmHg indicate the possibility of respiratory acidosis. The pH of 7.32, paCO2 48 mm Hg and the HCO3 23mEq/L indicate respiratory acidosis.