Question

A client with Guillain-Barré syndrome develops respiratory acidosis as a result of reduced alveolar ventilation. Which combination of arterial blood gas (ABG) values confirms respiratory acidosis if a male client with Guillain-Barré syndrome develops respiratory acidosis as a result of reduced alveolar ventilation?

A. PH, 5.0; PaCO2 30 mm Hg
B. PH, 7.40; PaCO2 35 mm Hg
C. pH, 7.35; PaCO2 40 mm Hg
D. PH, 7.25; PaCO2 50 mm Hg

Answer 1

The correct answer is D.

Step-by-step explanation:

The normal value range of pH is 7,35-7,45.

If the pH es higher than 7,45 we say it is alkalosis and if the pH es lower than 7,35 we say it is acidosis. That being said, we can now rule out option B and C.

Then we have to define respiratory acidosis: it is a decrease of pH because of a high value of PaCO2 (in this case as a result of hypoventilation). The normal range of PaCO2 is 35-45 mmHg.

So if we take all this in consideration, the only option with a low pH and a high paCO2 is option D.