HESI Med Surg Hematological system

HESI Med Surg Hematological system ( 54 Questions)

A patient's arterial blood gas (ABG) values include a pH of 7.48, a PaCO2 of 38, and an HCO3- of 30. Around which acid-base imbalance would the nurse plan the patient's care?


Correct Answer: B

Choice A rationale:

Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and a low bicarbonate level (<22 mEq/L) The given arterial blood gas (ABG) values indicate a pH of 7.48 (which is alkalotic), a PaCO2 of 38 (within the normal range of 35-45 mm Hg), and an HCO3- of 30 (which is elevated) These values indicate metabolic alkalosis, not metabolic acidosis.

Choice B rationale:

Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and an elevated bicarbonate level (>26 mEq/L) The given ABG values indicate a pH of 7.48 (which is alkalotic) and an elevated HCO3- of 30, indicating metabolic alkalosis. This condition can result from excessive loss of acids (e.g., vomiting) or excessive intake of bicarbonate or alkali substances.

Choice C rationale:

Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and a high PaCO2 (>45 mm Hg) The given ABG values indicate a normal pH of 7.48 and a PaCO2 of 38 (within the normal range), ruling out respiratory acidosis.

Choice D rationale:

Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and a low PaCO2 (<35 mm Hg) The given ABG values indicate a pH of 7.48 (which is alkalotic) and a PaCO2 of 38 (within the normal range), ruling out respiratory alkalosis.




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