A patient admitted with probable emphysema is scheduled for diagnostic tests. What test should the nurse expect to be prescribed to assess the patient's acid‒base balance?

Question

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Arterial blood gases (ABGs) are used to assess the patient's acid-base balance by measuring the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), and pH of arterial blood. This will help determine if the patient has respiratory acidosis or alkalosis, which is commonly seen in patients with emphysema. Bronchoscopy and sputum studies may be used to diagnose emphysema, but do not directly assess acid-base balance. Pulse oximetry measures oxygen saturation but does not provide information about acid-base balance.

A Patient Admitted with Probable Emphysema Is Scheduled for Diagnostic