Question

The physician has ordered intubation and mechanical ventilation for a client with periods of apnea following a closed head injury. Arterial blood gases reveal a pH of 7.47, PCO2 of 28, and HCO3 of 23. These findings indicate that the client has:

Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis

Answer 1

The arterial blood gas values of pH 7.47, PCO2 of 28, and HCO3 of 23 indicate respiratory alkalosis in the client. This means that there is an excess of carbon dioxide elimination due to hyperventilation, leading to a decrease in PCO2 levels and an increase in blood pH.

Step-by-step explanation:

The arterial blood gas values of pH 7.47, PCO2 of 28, and HCO3 of 23 indicate respiratory alkalosis in the client.

Arterial blood gases are used to assess the acid-base balance in the body. The pH value measures the acidity or alkalinity of the blood. A pH greater than 7.45 indicates alkalosis.

PCO2 represents the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood. A lower-than-normal PCO2 level, like 28, is characteristic of respiratory alkalosis.

HCO3, also known as bicarbonate, reflects the metabolic component of acid-base balance. In this case, the HCO3 level of 23 falls within the normal range.

Based on the arterial blood gas values, we can conclude that the client has respiratory alkalosis. This means that there is an excess of carbon dioxide elimination due to hyperventilation, leading to a decrease in PCO2 levels and an increase in blood pH.