In reviewing arterial blood gas (ABG) results in the patient with a salicylate overdose and a respiratory rate of 36, the nurse correlates which ABG value to this patient's clinical presentation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The respiratory rate of 36 indicates tachypnea, which is a compensatory mechanism to eliminate excess CO₂. The PaCO₂ of 32 mm Hg is below normal, indicating that the patient is hyperventilating and eliminating CO₂.

In Reviewing Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Results in the Patient