You are working in the ED, caring for a 55-year-old female patient with a long history of COPD. She is more short of breath today than usual, and states that she has an increased cough. She has a tympanic temperature of 99.8°F. You have drawn arterial blood gases with the patient on room air; when the report comes back, it shows that the patient has a PaO₂ of 92 mmHg. Which of the following is most likely? A) You have inadvertently drawn a venous sample. B) The patient is critically hypoxic and requires assisted ventilation. C) This is the typical value for this patient. D) The lab performed the test incorrectly.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a patient with COPD, a PaO2 of 92 mmHg on room air is typical, as they often have chronic hypoxemia. This value does not necessarily indicate a need for assisted ventilation or an error in the lab test. However, the patient should still be closely monitored and treated for exacerbation of COPD.

You Are Working in the ED, Caring for a 55-Year-Old