Question

The nurse is caring for a client with acute respiratory distress syndrome. What portion of arterial blood gas results does the nurse find most concerning, requiring intervention?

A. Partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) of 69 mm Hg.
B. Partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) of 51 mm Hg.
C. pH of 7.29.
D. Bicarbonate (HCO3-) of 28 mEq/L.

Answer 1

The most concerning ABG result for a patient with ARDS is a PaO2 of 69 mm Hg because it indicates significant hypoxemia which can lead to tissue hypoxia.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a client with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), it's crucial to examine the arterial blood gas (ABG) results to assess the patient's respiratory function. One of the most concerning ABG results that would require immediate intervention is a partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) of 69 mm Hg. A PaO2 below 80 mm Hg typically indicates significant hypoxemia and can result in tissue hypoxia. Given that the reference range for PaO2 is around 75-100 mm Hg, a value of 69 mm Hg is considered low and problematic, especially in the context of ARDS.

While changes in partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2), pH, and bicarbonate (HCO3-) are also important to consider, the priority in ARDS is typically to address oxygenation issues first. Therefore, option A, which reflects a compromised PaO2, is the most concerning and would generally require the most urgent intervention to address the patient's oxygenation status.