Question

A nurse is reviewing the ABG results of a client who has advanced COPD. Which of the following results should the nurse expect?

a) Respiratory alkalosis with increased PaCO2
b) Respiratory acidosis with decreased PaCO2
c) Metabolic alkalosis with increased HCO3
d) Metabolic acidosis with decreased HCO3

Answer 1

In advanced COPD, a nurse should expect to find lab results indicating respiratory acidosis with increased PaCO2, as COPD affects the patient's ability to expel CO2 leading to its retention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The laboratory results one would expect to find in a patient with advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) would likely indicate respiratory acidosis with an increased partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2). The pathophysiology of COPD includes limited airflow and difficulty with exhalation, leading to a retention of CO2. In an attempt to buffer this condition, the kidneys would retain bicarbonate (HCO3-), so one might expect to see increased levels of HCO3- if compensation is occurring over time. This compensation is an attempt to reestablish the proper ratio of bicarbonate and carbonic acid/CO2. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is 'Respiratory acidosis with increased PaCO2', as this reflects the primary disturbance with a compensatory increase in bicarbonate.