Question

Which of the following would be appropriate for a client with arterial blood gas (ABG) values of pH 7.5, PaCO₂ 26 mm Hg, O2 saturation 96?

1) Administer oxygen therapy
2) Administer bicarbonate
3) Administer bronchodilators
4) Administer diuretics

Answer 1

For a client with ABG values showing respiratory alkalosis (pH 7.5, PaCO₂ 26 mm Hg) and O2 saturation at 96, it would be appropriate to address the underlying cause of hyperventilation rather than administering oxygen, bicarbonate, bronchodilators, or diuretics.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client with arterial blood gas (ABG) values of pH 7.5, PaCO₂ 26 mm Hg, and O2 saturation 96 is exhibiting signs of respiratory alkalosis, likely due to hyperventilation, which leads to a decrease in carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in the blood. The appropriate treatment would be to address the underlying cause of the hyperventilation, rather than administering therapies that affect oxygen or bicarbonate, as the O2 saturation is already at a suitable level and administering bicarbonate could worsen the alkalosis.

Considering the client's ABG values, the appropriate management may include breathing retraining, anxiety reduction strategies, or in some acute cases, rebreathing into a paper bag to increase blood CO₂ levels. Careful monitoring is essential to adjust these interventions and to prevent overcorrection, which could lead to respiratory acidosis.