Question

The nurse is reviewing new arterial blood gas results for a client with an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The client's serum pH is 7.45. Which result noted by the nurse is a priority to report to the health care provider?

a) PaO2 of 90 mm Hg
b) PaCO2 of 50 mm Hg
c) HCO3 of 26 mEq/L
d) SaO2 of 97%

Answer 1

The arterial blood gas result that is a priority to report is a PaCO2 of 50 mm Hg, which is above the normal range and indicates a respiratory issue in a COPD patient.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is asking which arterial blood gas result is a priority to report for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a serum pH of 7.45. According to Table 26.3, normal arterial blood pH lies within the range of 7.35 to 7.45. For males, normal arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels are 35-48 mm Hg, while for females, it is 32-45 mm Hg. The normal range for total venous bicarbonate (HCO3-) is 22-29 mEq/L. Given the client's results, the priority to report would be option b) PaCO2 of 50 mm Hg, as it is above the normal range, indicating a respiratory issue that is typical in the exacerbation of COPD and requires immediate attention from the healthcare provider.