The patient has type B chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbated by an acute upper respiratory infection. Which blood gas values should the nurse expect to see?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Type B COPD is a chronic disease that causes impaired excretion of carbonic acid, thus causing respiratory acidosis, with PaCO₂ high and pH low. This chronic disease exists long enough for some renal compensation to occur, manifested by high HCO₃. answers that include low or normal bicarbonate are not correct, because the renal compensation for respiratory acidosis involves excretion of more hydrogen ions than usual, with retention of bicarbonate in the blood. High pH occurs with alkalosis, not acidosis.

The Patient Has Type B Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)