Question

The nurse is told that the arterial blood gas (ABG) results indicate a pH of 7.50 and a Pco2 of 32 mm Hg. The nurse determines that these results are indicative of which acid-base disturbance?

A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis

Answer 1

The ABG results with a pH of 7.50 and a Pco2 of 32 mm Hg indicate respiratory alkalosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ABG results indicate a pH of 7.50 and a Pco2 of 32 mm Hg. Based on these results, the nurse can determine that the acid-base disturbance present is respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and a low Pco2 (<35 mm Hg). In this case, the pH of 7.50 is higher than the normal range, indicating alkalosis, and the Pco2 of 32 mm Hg falls below the normal range, indicating respiratory compensation.