Question

A patient with a 10-year history of chronic bronchitis and an acute viral pneumonia exhibits the following blood gas results breathing room air: pH = 7.22; PCO2= 67; HCO3- = 26; PO2= 60. Which of the following best describes the patient's condition?

a. chronic hypoxemic respiratory failure
b. acute hypercapnic respiratory failure
c. chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure
d. acute hypoxemic respiratory failure

Answer 1

The patient's condition is acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, accompanied by respiratory acidosis. Chronic bronchitis and acute viral pneumonia can contribute to this condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The blood gas results indicate that the patient is experiencing acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. This is characterized by a low arterial oxygen pressure (PO2) and a normal or low arterial carbon dioxide pressure (PCO2). In this case, the patient's pH is also low (acidic), indicating respiratory acidosis. Chronic bronchitis and acute viral pneumonia can both contribute to this condition.