Question

A female client has been successfully resuscitated after cardiac arrest. Her arterial blood gas reveals a pH of 7.6. The nurse attributes this result to which of the following?

a. Anaerobic metabolism, which caused lactic acid production
b. Excess sodium bicarbonate, which was administered during the resuscitation
c. Repeat blood gases, which are performed during a code, frequently show acidosis
d. Normal blood gas results

Answer 1

The nurse attributes the result of pH 7.6 to anaerobic metabolism and lactic acid production option (a).

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse attributes the arterial blood gas result of pH 7.6 to anaerobic metabolism, which caused lactic acid production option (a).

A pH of 7.6 in arterial blood gas after cardiac arrest suggests acidosis, and in the context of resuscitation, it is often associated with anaerobic metabolism leading to lactic acid production. During cardiac arrest, when oxygen supply is compromised, cells switch to anaerobic metabolism, producing lactic acid as a byproduct, leading to an increase in acidity (decreased pH).

(a) Anaerobic metabolism, which caused lactic acid production