Question

A nurse is reviewing the ABG results of a client who has COPD. The results include a pH of 7.3 (7.35 to 7.45), PaO2 56 mm Hg.

Open-ended: Interpret the ABG results and discuss the implications for the client with COPD.

Answer 1

The ABG results indicate respiratory acidosis in a client with COPD due to accumulated carbon dioxide in the blood.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ABG results for the client with COPD show a pH of 7.3 (7.35 to 7.45) and a PaO2 of 56 mm Hg. The pH value indicates that the blood is in an acidosis condition. The low pH is due to an accumulation of carbon dioxide caused by respiratory acidosis. In COPD, the impaired lung function leads to insufficient removal of carbon dioxide from the body, resulting in elevated levels in the blood and a decrease in blood pH.