ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation Related

Review ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation related questions and content

A nurse evaluates the following arterial blood gas values in a client: pH 7.48, PaO2 98 mm Hg, PaCO2 28 mm Hg, and HCO3 22 mEq/L. Which client condition should the nurse correlate with these results?

  • A. Diarrhea and vomiting for 36 hours
  • B. . Anxiety-induced hyperventilation
  • C. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • D. Diabetic ketoacidosis and emphysema
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Anxiety-induced hyperventilation. The arterial blood gas values show a pH of 7.48 (alkalosis) with low PaCO2 (respiratory alkalosis), which is consistent with hyperventilation due to anxiety. HCO3 is within normal range, ruling out metabolic causes. A: Diarrhea and vomiting would lead to metabolic acidosis with low pH and decreased HCO3. C: COPD would typically present with respiratory acidosis (high PaCO2) and normal to high HCO3. D: Diabetic ketoacidosis and emphysema would show metabolic acidosis with low pH and low HCO3.