Question

A nurse is reviewing arterial blood gas labs and notes a result termed ""base excess"". The nurse recognizes that this measures which of the following?

A. The partial pressure of excess oxygen in the blood

B. The level of excess or deficiency of base in the blood

C.The level of deficiency of carbon dioxide in the blood

D. The amount of H+ ions circulating in the blood

Answer 1

Base excess measures the level of excess or deficiency of base in the blood, which is crucial for diagnosing metabolic imbalances related to acid-base disorders.

Step-by-step explanation:

Base excess in arterial blood gas labs measures the level of excess or deficiency of base in the blood. It is indicative of metabolic imbalances and helps to determine the compensatory mechanisms of the body in response to acid-base disorders.

In acidosis, there can be a buildup of CO2 and H+ ions due to hypoventilation or metabolic issues leading to insufficient buffering capacity. When evaluating acid-base imbalances, base excess or deficiency, pH, pCO2, and total HCO3- provide critical information on whether an imbalance is respiratory or metabolic in nature and whether or not the body is compensating for the imbalance.

The lab test called "base excess" measures the level of excess or deficiency of base in the blood. It helps determine whether the acid-base imbalance is metabolic or respiratory, and whether compensatory mechanisms are functioning properly. Base excess is an important indicator for diagnosing acidosis and alkalosis.