Question

A client is in the first trimester of pregnancy. She has experienced approximately 1 week of severe nausea with frequent vomiting. Which of the following conditions should the nurse expect to find if an arterial blood gas is analyzed?

Answer 1

In a pregnant client with severe nausea and vomiting, an arterial blood gas test may show metabolic alkalosis due to the loss of stomach acid, leading to a higher blood pH and bicarbonate levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

A client who is in the first trimester of pregnancy and has experienced a week of severe nausea with frequent vomiting is likely dealing with morning sickness. However, if an arterial blood gas is analyzed, the nurse might expect to find evidence of metabolic alkalosis. The loss of stomach acid via vomiting can lead to an increased pH in the blood, meaning that it becomes more alkaline. This condition is characterized by a high blood pH (above 7.45) and a higher than normal level of blood bicarbonate when the body loses too much acid or gains too much base.