A patient is admitted to the emergency department with an acute asthma exacerbation. Based on the following blood gas results, how severe was the asthma attack? pH 7.35, PaO₂ 58 mm Hg, PaCO₂ 46 mm Hg, HCO₃^- 18 mEq/L, SaO₂ 89%

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A patient suffering an acute asthma attack usually has a low PaCO₂ level as a result of hyperventilation. A normal PaCO₂ level in such a situation indicates a severe attack and impending respiratory failure.

A Patient Is Admitted to the Emergency Department with an Acute