Question

The nurse notes that a patients arterial blood gas (ABG) results reveal a pH of 7.50 and a Paco₂ of 30 mm Hg. The nurse monitors the patient for which clinical manifestations associated with these ABG results? Select ALL that Apply

A) Nausea
B) Confusion
C) Bradypnea
D) Tachycardia
E) Hyperkalemia
F) Lightheadedness

Answer 1

The patient's ABG results, which indicate alkalosis, would likely present with confusion, tachycardia, and lightheadedness, due to cognitive impairment, compensatory tachycardia, and cerebral vasoconstriction respectively.

Step-by-step explanation:

You have asked about the clinical manifestations associated with arterial blood gas (ABG) results showing a pH of 7.50 and a Paco₂ of 30 mm Hg. With a pH higher than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, the patient is considered to be in alkalosis. A lower than normal Paco₂ suggests a respiratory cause for the alkalosis, likely due to hyperventilation which drives off carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the body. The following clinical manifestations can be associated with these ABG results:

• Confusion - This can result from the cognitive impairment due to alkalosis.
• Tachycardia - An elevated heart rate may occur in response to the body's attempt to compensate for the imbalance.
• Faintness or Lightheadedness - Due to cerebral vasoconstriction and decreased cerebral blood flow resulting from the alkalosis.

Based on the provided information, the options that apply are B) Confusion, D) Tachycardia, and F) Lightheadedness. While nausea is a possible symptom of alkalosis, the patient's ABG results specifically point to the selected symptoms.