A patient is admitted with acute respiratory failure attributable to pneumonia.Smoking history reveals that the patient smoked two packs of cigarettes a day for 25 years,stopping 10 years ago.ABG values on the current ventilator settings are pH,7.37; PaCO₂,50 mm Hg; and HCO₃-,27 mEq/L.Chest radiography reveals a large right pleural effusion.Which of the following is the correct interpretation of the patient's ABG values?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ABG values reflect a compensated respiratory acidosis.Values include a pH of 7.35 to 7.39,PACO₂ above 45 mm Hg,and HCO₃- above 26 mEq/L.Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis values include a pH below 7.35,PACO₂ above 45 mm Hg,and HCO₃- of 22 to 26 mEq/L.Compensated metabolic alkalosis values include a pH of 7.41 to 7.45,PACO₂ above 45 mm Hg,and HCO₃- above 26 mEq/L.Uncompensated metabolic acidosis values include a pH above 7.35,PACO₂ of 35 to 45 mm Hg,and HCO₃- above 22 mEq/L.

A Patient Is Admitted with Acute Respiratory Failure Attributable to Pneumonia.Smoking