A patient has the following arterial blood gas (ABG) results. In analyzing the data, the nurse recognizes the patient has what health problem? $$\begin{array} { | l | l | }
\hline \begin{array} { l }
\text { Arterial Blood } \
\text { Gas }
\end{array} & \text { Patient Results } \
\hline \mathrm { pH } & 7.28 \
\hline \mathrm { PaCO } & 55 \mathrm { mmHg } \
\hline \mathrm { PaO } _ { 2 } & 75 \mathrm { mmHg } \
\hline \mathrm { HCO } _ { 3 } & 24 \mathrm { mEq } / \mathrm { L } \
\hline \mathrm { BE } & + 1 \mathrm { mEq } / \mathrm { L } \
\hline
\end{array}$$

Question

A patient has the following arterial blood gas (ABG) results. In analyzing the data, the nurse recognizes the patient has what health problem? $$\begin{array} { | l | l | } 
\hline \begin{array} { l } 
\text { Arterial Blood } \
\text { Gas }
\end{array} & \text { Patient Results } \
\hline \mathrm { pH } & 7.28 \
\hline \mathrm { PaCO } & 55 \mathrm { mmHg } \
\hline \mathrm { PaO } _ { 2 } & 75 \mathrm { mmHg } \
\hline \mathrm { HCO } _ { 3 } & 24 \mathrm { mEq } / \mathrm { L } \
\hline \mathrm { BE } & + 1 \mathrm { mEq } / \mathrm { L } \
\hline
\end{array}$$

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient has a low pH and high PaCO2, indicating respiratory acidosis. The HCO3 and BE levels are within normal range, so there is no indication of a metabolic disorder.

A Patient Has the Following Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Results