Question

The nurse is providing care to a client with the following arterial blood gas results: pH of 7.50 (7.50), Pao2 of 90 mm Hg (90 mm Hg), Paco2 of 40 mm Hg (40 mm Hg), and bicarbonate of 35 mEq/L (35 mmol/L). When the nurse notifies the health care provider about these levels, the nurse should anticipate receiving from the HCP which prescription for this client?

a) Administer sodium bicarbonate
b) Administer oxygen therapy
c) Prepare for mechanical ventilation
d) Monitor closely and repeat the ABG in 1 hour

Answer 1

Based on the arterial blood gas results, the client has a pH of 7.50, Pao2 of 90 mm Hg, Paco2 of 40 mm Hg, and bicarbonate of 35 mEq/L. These values indicate a slightly elevated pH, normal oxygen levels, slightly low carbon dioxide levels, and high bicarbonate levels. The nurse should anticipate receiving a prescription to monitor closely and repeat the ABG in 1 hour.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the arterial blood gas results, the client has a pH of 7.50, Pao2 of 90 mm Hg, Paco2 of 40 mm Hg, and bicarbonate of 35 mEq/L. These values indicate a slightly elevated pH, normal oxygen levels, slightly low carbon dioxide levels, and high bicarbonate levels.

Since the pH is slightly elevated and the bicarbonate level is high, this suggests a condition called metabolic alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis occurs when there is an excess of bicarbonate in the blood, which can result from conditions such as vomiting or excessive ingestion of bicarbonate-containing medications.

In this case, the nurse should anticipate receiving a prescription to monitor closely and repeat the ABG in 1 hour. This is because metabolic alkalosis can sometimes resolve on its own or require further evaluation.