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Difficulty: EasyReduction of Risk Potential

A nurse is evaluating the arterial blood gas (ABG) results for a client who is experiencing shallow breathing and lethargy following abdominal surgery. The laboratory report displays a pH of 7.267.26, a PaCO2\text{PaCO}_2 of 58 mm Hg58\text{ mm Hg}, and an HCO3−\text{HCO}_3^- of 24 mEq/L24\text{ mEq/L}. Which of the following acid-base imbalances should the nurse identify to initiate appropriate risk-reduction interventions?

  1. Uncompensated respiratory acidosisAnswer
  2. B
    Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis
  3. C
    Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
  4. D
    Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis

Answer

The correct acid-base imbalance is uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
The client's ABG results demonstrate uncompensated respiratory acidosis because the pH is low (indicating acidemia), the PaCO2\text{PaCO}_2 is elevated (confirming a respiratory cause), and the HCO3−\text{HCO}_3^- is within the normal range (indicating a lack of metabolic compensation).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the pH value.
The pH is 7.267.26, which signifies an acidotic state.
A normal blood pH ranges from 7.357.35 to 7.457.45. A value below 7.357.35 clearly indicates acidosis.
2
Analyze the PaCO2\text{PaCO}_2 value.
The PaCO2\text{PaCO}_2 is elevated at 58 mm Hg58\text{ mm Hg}.
A normal PaCO2\text{PaCO}_2 is 3535 to 45 mm Hg45\text{ mm Hg}. An elevated level reflects hypoventilation and retention of carbon dioxide, confirming the respiratory origin of the acidosis.
3
Analyze the HCO3−\text{HCO}_3^- value.
The HCO3−\text{HCO}_3^- is normal at 24 mEq/L24\text{ mEq/L}.
A normal HCO3−\text{HCO}_3^- is 2222 to 26 mEq/L26\text{ mEq/L}. Because this value has not elevated to buffer the acidic pH, metabolic compensation has not yet occurred.

Key Concept

Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Reduction of Risk Potential

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