A patient has been hospitalized several times in 6 months with severe ECV depletion and hypokalemia resulting from chronic laxative abuse.Which blood gas results should be relayed to the physician?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The lab values of pH in high part of normal range, PaO₂ normal, PaCO₂ high, and bicarbonate high indicate compensated metabolic alkalosis, which is not consistent with increased excretion of bicarbonate in chronic diarrhea from laxative abuse, so you should page the physician.The lab values of pH in low part of normal range, PaO₂ normal, PaCO₂ low, and bicarbonate low indicate compensated metabolic acidosis, which is consistent with increased excretion of bicarbonate in chronic diarrhea from laxative abuse.The other answer options are normal lab values.

A Patient Has Been Hospitalized Several Times in 6 Months