Question

A nurse is caring for a client with pneumonia. ABG results are pH 7.49, PaCO2 32 mm Hg, HCO3- 28 mEq/L, PaO2 89 mm Hg. How should the nurse interpret these results?

a. Metabolic acidosis, uncompensated
b. Metabolic alkalosis, uncompensated
c. Mixed respiratory and metabolic alkalosis, compensated
d. Respiratory acidosis, uncompensated

Answer 1

The client's ABG results indicate a mixed respiratory and metabolic alkalosis. The elevated pH, decreased PaCO2, and increased HCO3- confirm this condition. However, there is no full compensation as indicated by the elevated pH.

Step-by-step explanation:

Interpreting ABG Results in a Client with Pneumonia

The client's arterial blood gas (ABG) results show a pH of 7.49, which is above the normal range (7.35-7.45), indicating alkalosis. The PaCO2 is 32 mm Hg, which is lower than the normal range (35-45 mm Hg), suggesting a respiratory cause. Additionally, the HCO3- is 28 mEq/L, which is higher than the normal range (22-26 mEq/L), indicating a metabolic cause. Since both PaCO2 and HCO3- are altered and both are pointing towards alkalosis, this suggests a mixed respiratory and metabolic alkalosis. However, due to the elevated pH, there is no evidence of full compensation.

So, the correct interpretation of the ABG results for the client with pneumonia is option c: Mixed respiratory and metabolic alkalosis, uncompensated.