The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. During assessment, the nurse finds that the patient is experiencing increased dyspnea. What is the most accurate measurement of the concentration of oxygen in the patients blood?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The arterial oxygen tension (partial pressure or $\mathrm{PaO}_{2}$ ) indicates the degree of oxygenation of the blood, and the arterial carbon dioxide tension (partial pressure or $\mathrm{PaCO}_{2}$ ) indicates the adequacy of alveolar ventilation. ABG studies aid in assessing the ability of the lungs to provide adequate oxygen and remove carbon dioxide and the ability of the kidneys to reabsorb or excrete bicarbonate ions to maintain normal body pH. Capillary blood samples are venous blood, not arterial blood, so they are not as accurate as an ABG. Pulse oximetry is a useful clinical tool but does not replace ABG measurement, because it is not as accurate. A CBC does not indicate the concentration of oxygen.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Admitted with an Acute