Questions for Respiratory System Related

Review Questions for Respiratory System related questions and content

A nurse reviews the arterial blood gas results of a client and notes the following: pH 7.45, PCO2 30, HCO3 20. The nurse analyzes these results as indicating which condition?

  • A. Metabolic acidosis, compensated
  • B. Respiratory alkalosis, fully compensated
  • C. Metabolic alkalosis, uncompensated
  • D. Respiratory acidosis, uncompensated
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Respiratory alkalosis, fully compensated. The pH is elevated (alkalosis) at 7.45. The low PCO2 of 30 indicates respiratory alkalosis. The HCO3 level of 20 is slightly below normal, indicating metabolic compensation. The body has compensated for the respiratory alkalosis by reducing the HCO3 level. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the given ABG results. A (Metabolic acidosis, compensated) would have low pH and HCO3 levels. C (Metabolic alkalosis, uncompensated) would have high pH and HCO3 levels. D (Respiratory acidosis, uncompensated) would have high PCO2 and low pH.