A patient in the emergency department (ED)becomes suddenly unresponsive.CPR is initiated.Arterial blood gas results reveal pH 7.225,PaCO₂ 55,HCO₃ 15,PaO₂ 45,SaO₂ 76%.The nurse would prepare for which priority intervention? A)Call for a rapid response team. B)Auscultate the patient's lungs. C)Place the patient on a 50% humidified mask. D)Administer endotracheal intubation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ABG results indicate respiratory acidosis with a PaCO2 of 55 and a pH of 7.225. The patient is likely experiencing respiratory failure and needs immediate intervention to maintain a patent airway and adequate ventilation. Endotracheal intubation is necessary to provide mechanical ventilation and improve gas exchange. A rapid response team may also be necessary, but the priority intervention is to secure the patient's airway. Auscultating the lungs and placing the patient on a humidified mask can be done after the airway is secured.

A Patient in the Emergency Department (ED)becomes Suddenly Unresponsive