Question

The nurse is caring for a client with shock. The nurse is concerned about hypoxemia and metabolic acidosis with the client. What finding should the nurse analyze for evidence of hypoxemia and metabolic acidosis in a client with shock?

A. Serum thyroid level findings
B. Arterial blood gas (ABG) findings
C. Red blood cells (RBCs) and hemoglobin count findings D. White blood cell count findings

Answer 1

Lab tests for pH, CO2 partial pressure (pCO2), and HCO3 can identify acidosis and alkalosis and determine if the condition is metabolic or respiratory. Metabolic acid-base imbalances typically result from kidney disease.

Step-by-step explanation:

Lab tests for pH, CO2 partial pressure (pCO2), and HCO3 can identify acidosis and alkalosis, indicating whether the imbalance is respiratory or metabolic, and the extent to which compensatory mechanisms are working. The blood pH value, as shown in Table 26.3, indicates whether the blood is in acidosis, the normal range, or alkalosis. The pCO2 and total HCO3 values aid in determining whether the condition is metabolic or respiratory, and whether the patient has been able to compensate for the problem. Table 26.3 lists the conditions and laboratory results that can be used to classify these conditions. Metabolic acid-base imbalances typically result from kidney disease, and the respiratory system usually responds to compensate.