A client has the following arterial blood gases: pH 7.30,HCO₃^- 17 mEq/L,PCO₂ 25 mm Hg,PO₂ 98 mm Hg.Which intervention by the nurse is most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client has a partially compensated metabolic acidosis.Interventions are aimed at reducing or eliminating the cause.The nurse needs to assist in determining the cause so that proper interventions can be initiated.Sodium bicarbonate is rarely used for acidosis unless the pH is life threatening,or for specific causes of acidosis wherein bicarbonate deficit is known to be the problem.Simply documenting the findings will not help the client.Because the client's PO₂ is 98 mm Hg,oxygen therapy is not indicated on the basis of these arterial blood gases.

A Client Has the Following Arterial Blood Gases: PH 7