Question

A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who is experiencing acute respiratory failure. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect?

A) Increased PaO2
B) Decreased pH
C) Normal bicarbonate levels
D) Low carbon dioxide levels

Answer 1

In acute respiratory failure, the nurse should expect a decreased pH and low carbon dioxide levels in the laboratory findings.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse can expect the following laboratory findings in a client experiencing acute respiratory failure:

• Decreased pH: In respiratory failure, there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood, leading to an increase in acidity.
• Low carbon dioxide levels: As a compensatory mechanism, the body tries to eliminate excess CO2, resulting in decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood.