The nurse is providing care to a patient who is admitted to the hospital with sudden,severe abdominal pain.Which arterial blood gas supports the patient's current diagnosis of respiratory alkalosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and a low PCO2 (<35 mmHg), which is present in option C. Options A (pH is within normal range and PaO2 is normal), B (pH is low and HCO3- is high, suggestive of metabolic acidosis) and D (pH is low and PaCO2 is normal, which is not consistent with respiratory alkalosis) are not indicative of respiratory alkalosis.

The Nurse Is Providing Care to a Patient Who Is