A nurse evaluates the following arterial blood gas (ABG) values: ABG Results PH 7.48 PaO2 82 mm Hg PaCO2 28 mm Hg HCO3- 22 mEq/L For which client does the nurse expect to see these lab results?
Explanation & Rationale
A. A client with chronic bronchitis: Chronic bronchitis usually results in chronic respiratory acidosis due to hypoventilation and CO2 retention. The ABG shows a low PaCO2 and alkalotic pH, which is inconsistent with chronic bronchitis physiology. B. A client with diarrhea for 36 hours: Prolonged diarrhea typically causes metabolic acidosis due to bicarbonate loss. The ABG shows an alkalotic pH with low CO2, indicating a primary respiratory process rather than a metabolic derangement. C. A client with diabetic ketoacidosis: Diabetic ketoacidosis produces metabolic acidosis characterized by low pH and low HCO3-. The client’s ABG shows alkalosis, making this an unlikely cause. D. A client with anxiety-induced hyperventilation: The ABG reveals a pH of 7.48, PaCO2 of 28 mm Hg, and normal HCO3-, which is consistent with acute respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation during anxiety causes excessive CO2 exhalation, raising pH and reducing PaCO2, while HCO3- remains relatively unchanged in acute cases.