A patient admitted to the emergency department with unknown history has the following blood gas results on room air: pH = 7.23, PaCO₂ = 80 mm Hg, HCO₃⁻ = 33 mEq/L, PaO₂ = 43 mm Hg, and SaO₂ = 72%. With no other data available, which of the following forms of therapy is indicated?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The blood gas results indicate acute respiratory acidosis with severe hypoxemia, suggesting respiratory failure. Mechanical ventilatory support is necessary to correct the elevated PaCO2 and improve oxygenation.

A Patient Admitted to the Emergency Department with Unknown History