Final answer:
An Arterial blood gas (ABG) study is the best test to assess a patient's acid-base status when suspecting respiratory alkalosis. It measures pH, pCO2, and bicarbonate levels (HCO3-) to determine the nature and extent of the imbalance.
Step-by-step explanation:
You asked which of the following studies best assesses a patient's acid-base status when you suspect they may have respiratory alkalosis. The correct answer is A) Arterial blood gas (ABG). An ABG is a test that measures the arterial oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, and most importantly for this situation, the pH of the blood. A normal blood pH level is between 7.35 and 7.45. Any value below or above this range indicates an acid-base imbalance. In respiratory alkalosis, carbon dioxide levels fall too low, which can be detected by a reduced partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) in the ABG results. The ABG will also show the bicarbonate level (HCO3-), which helps clarify whether there has been renal compensation in response to the respiratory condition.
Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is a CO2 deficiency in the blood, with an associated increase in blood pH. An ABG will provide the necessary information to diagnose this condition, as well as to determine any compensatory mechanisms the body has employed. Conditions such as lung disease, aspirin overdose, shock, and anxiety are known to cause respiratory alkalosis.