A patient has the laboratory values above. Based on these results, the nurse suspects which of the following? $$\begin{array} { | l | l | }
\hline \text { Laboratory Value } & \text { Patient Results } \
\hline \mathrm { PaCO } _ { 2 } & 40 \mathrm { mmHg } \
\hline \mathrm { pH } & 7.3 \
\hline \mathrm { HCO } _ { 3 } & 18 \mathrm { mEq } / \mathrm { L } \
\hline
\end{array}$$

Question

A patient has the laboratory values above. Based on these results, the nurse suspects which of the following? $$\begin{array} { | l | l | } 
\hline \text { Laboratory Value } & \text { Patient Results } \
\hline \mathrm { PaCO } _ { 2 } & 40 \mathrm { mmHg } \
\hline \mathrm { pH } & 7.3 \
\hline \mathrm { HCO } _ { 3 } & 18 \mathrm { mEq } / \mathrm { L } \
\hline
\end{array}$$

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's laboratory values indicate metabolic acidosis, characterized by a low pH (7.3, indicating acidosis) and a low HCO3- level (18 mEq/L, indicating the acidosis is metabolic in nature). PaCO2 is normal, suggesting the primary issue is not respiratory.

A Patient Has the Laboratory Values Above A)chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Hypercapnia B)an Alkalytic Response from Sympathomimetics

A Patient Has the Laboratory Values Above A)chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Hypercapnia
B)an Alkalytic Response from Sympathomimetics