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Difficulty: EasyPhysiological Adaptation

Following a severe panic attack, a client in the emergency department exhibits rapid breathing and reports numbness in the fingers. An arterial blood gas analysis yields a pH of 7.54, a PaCO2 of 26 mm Hg, and an HCO3- of 24 mEq/L. Which primary acid-base disturbance do these results indicate?

  1. Respiratory alkalosisAnswer
  2. B
    Respiratory acidosis
  3. C
    Metabolic alkalosis
  4. D
    Metabolic acidosis

Answer

Respiratory alkalosis
The arterial blood gas results demonstrate a pH greater than 7.45, establishing an alkalotic state. The PaCO2 is less than 35 mm Hg, which correlates with the elevated pH and identifies the respiratory system as the primary source of the imbalance (due to hyperventilation blowing off excessive CO2). The normal HCO3- confirms it is an uncompensated respiratory issue.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate the pH level.
The pH is 7.54.
A pH above 7.45 indicates an alkalemic state.
2
Evaluate the PaCO2 level.
The PaCO2 is 26 mm Hg.
A PaCO2 below 35 mm Hg indicates excessive elimination of carbon dioxide, pointing to a respiratory origin.
3
Evaluate the HCO3- level.
The HCO3- is 24 mEq/L.
A value between 22 and 26 mEq/L is normal, confirming there is no primary metabolic component or compensation yet.

Key Concept

Basic Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Interpretation
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Physiological Adaptation

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