The patient has been diagnosed with early stage pneumonia.The nurse would anticipate which laboratory results? A)Increased PaO₂ and increased PaCO₂ B)Decreased PaO₂ and normal PaCO₂ C)Normal PaO₂ and elevated PaCO₂ D)Decreased PaO₂ and increased PaCO₂

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In early stage pneumonia, the patient often experiences a decrease in PaO2 due to impaired gas exchange in the lungs, while PaCO2 may remain normal as the body compensates by increasing respiration to blow off CO2.

The Patient Has Been Diagnosed with Early Stage Pneumonia