A patient in respiratory distress has the following arterial blood gases (ABGs)results: pH = 7.30; PCO₂= 40; HCO₃ = 19 mEq/L; PO₂ = 80.After treatment,repeat ABGs results are pH = 7.38; PCO₂ = 32; HCO₃ = 19 mEq/L.What should the nurse conclude from this information? A) Respiratory acidosis; the treatment plan is ineffective. B) Metabolic alkalosis; the treatment plan is effective. C) Partial compensation; the treatment plan is ineffective. D) Full compensation; the treatment plan is effective.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's initial ABG results indicate respiratory acidosis with elevated PCO2 and decreased pH. After treatment, the ABG results show improvement with a higher pH and lower PCO2 levels indicating full compensation, suggesting that the treatment plan is effective. The unchanged bicarbonate levels suggest that there is no significant metabolic disturbance.

A Patient in Respiratory Distress Has the Following Arterial Blood