A male patient with an acute exacerbation of his emphysema presents in severe distress with decreased air movement and diffuse inspiratory wheezes in all fields. HR = 132, BP = 142/88, RR =30, SaO₂ = 88%. Which of the following blood gas values is most likely?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Given the patient's severe distress, decreased air movement, and decreased SaO2, it is likely that the patient has respiratory acidosis. Therefore, the most likely blood gas value is an increased PCO2 (option C). A pH of 7.6 (option A) and a PO2 of 100 mmHg (option B) are not typical findings in a patient with an acute exacerbation of emphysema. A PCO2 of 35 mmHg (option D) would actually be a normal value and not consistent with the patient's clinical presentation.

A Male Patient with an Acute Exacerbation of His Emphysema