A patient has been admitted to the critical care unit with the diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).Arterial blood gasses (ABGs)revealed an elevated pH and decreased PaCO₂.The patient is becoming fatigued,and the health care provider orders a repeat ABG.The nurse anticipates the following results

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Arterial blood gas analysis reveals a low PaO₂ despite increases in supplemental oxygen administration (refractory hypoxemia).Initially,the PaCO₂ is low as a result of hyperventilation,but eventually the PaCO₂ increases as the patient fatigues.The pH is high initially but decreases as respiratory acidosis develops.

A Patient Has Been Admitted to the Critical Care Unit