Asked by Alexis Oldham on Jun 11, 2024
Verified
The nurse is reviewing the patient's arterial blood gas results. The PaO2 is 96 mm Hg, pH is 7.20, PaCO2 is 55 mm Hg, and HCO3 is 25 mEq/L. What might the nurse expect to observe on assessment of this patient?
A) Disorientation and tremors
B) Tachycardia and decreased blood pressure
C) Increased anxiety and irritability
D) Hyperventilation and lethargy
Arterial Blood
Blood that is oxygen-rich and pumped from the heart to nourish the body, found in the arteries, distinct from the deoxygenated blood returned through veins.
Disorientation
A state of confusion regarding time, place, or identity.
- Analyze arterial blood gas results to understand patient conditions.
Verified Answer
TG
tabitha Gorgone-manchesterJun 15, 2024
Final Answer :
A
Explanation :
The patient is experiencing respiratory acidosis ( ↓\downarrow↓ pH and ↑\uparrow↑ PaCO2) which may be manifested by disorientation, tremors, possible seizures, and decreased level of consciousness. Tachycardia and decreased blood pressure are not characteristic of a problem of respiratory acidosis. Increased anxiety and hyperventilation will cause respiratory alkalosis, which is manifested by an increase in pH and a decrease in PaCO2.
Learning Objectives
- Analyze arterial blood gas results to understand patient conditions.
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