HESI Med Surg Hematological system

HESI Med Surg Hematological system ( 54 Questions)

Which arterial blood gas (ABG) data corresponds with a patient's clinical manifestations of respiratory alkalosis?


Correct Answer: C

Choice A rationale:

A pH of 7.46 indicates alkalosis, but the PaCO2 of 44 mm Hg and HCO3 of 36 mEq/L fall within normal ranges, not indicative of respiratory alkalosis. Elevated bicarbonate (HCO3) levels are associated with metabolic alkalosis.

Choice B rationale:

The pH of 7.27 suggests acidosis, not alkalosis. Additionally, the PaCO2 is elevated at 70 mm Hg, indicating respiratory acidosis, not respiratory alkalosis.

Choice C rationale:

A low pH of 7.30 indicates acidosis, which aligns with respiratory alkalosis. The low PaCO2 of 35 mm Hg suggests a compensatory response, as the respiratory system attempts to decrease CO2 levels. The low bicarbonate (HCO3) level of 20 mEq/L further supports metabolic compensation, typical in respiratory alkalosis.

Choice D rationale:

A pH of 7.52 is indicative of alkalosis. However, the low PaCO2 of 24 mm Hg suggests respiratory alkalosis, but the normal bicarbonate level of 24 mEq/L indicates the absence of metabolic compensation. Respiratory alkalosis is commonly associated with low PaCO2 and decreased bicarbonate levels due to hyperventilation, which leads to excessive CO2 removal from the body.




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