A patient was extubated in the postanesthesia recovery room prior to transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU).Upon admission to the ICU the patient is sedated,but will arouse when stimulated.Blood pressure is 106/68 mm/Hg,heart rate is 68 and regular,temperature is 97.8°F,and respirations are 12 bpm.The nurse would monitor this patient for which changes in arterial blood gases? A)Increase in pH and decrease in PaCO₂ B)Increase in pH and increase in HCO₃ C)Decrease in pH and increase in PaCO₂ D)Decrease in pH and decrease in HCO₃

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is sedated and has a decreased respiratory rate, so it is likely that the patient is experiencing respiratory acidosis. This is confirmed by the decreased pH and increased PaCO2 levels. There is no indication that the patient is experiencing metabolic changes, so options A and B can be ruled out. Option D suggests a decrease in pH and decrease in HCO3-, which would indicate metabolic acidosis, but again there is no indication that the patient is experiencing metabolic changes.

A Patient Was Extubated in the Postanesthesia Recovery Room Prior