/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 138 The respiratory therapist draws ... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 34: Problem 138

The respiratory therapist draws \(\mathrm{ABGs}\) and shows them to the nurse. Which state is the client currently in based on the values: \- \(\mathrm{pH}: 7.39\) \- \(\mathrm{CO}_2: 40\) \- \(\mathrm{HCO}_3: 23\) \- \(\mathrm{PaO}_2: 90\) A. Metabolic acidosis B. Respiratory acidosis C. Respiratory alkalosis D. Homeostasis

Short Answer

Expert verified
D. Homeostasis

Step by step solution

01

- Understand Normal Values

First, understand the normal values for each component: - Normal pH: 7.35 - 7.45 - Normal CO2: 35 - 45 mm Hg - Normal HCO3: 22 - 26 mEq/L - Normal PaO2: 80 - 100 mm Hg
02

- Analyze pH

The pH given is 7.39. Since 7.39 is within the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, the client is not in acidosis (which would be below 7.35) or alkalosis (which would be above 7.45).
03

- Evaluate CO2 and HCO3

The CO2 value is 40 mm Hg, which is within the normal range of 35-45 mm Hg. The HCO3 value is 23 mEq/L, which is within the normal range of 22-26 mEq/L. Both values are normal, so there is no indication of respiratory or metabolic issues.
04

- Determine Final Diagnosis

Since pH, CO2, and HCO3 values are all within normal limits, the client is in a state of homeostasis, meaning there are no acid-base imbalances.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Normal Blood Gas Values
To diagnose a patient's acid-base status using arterial blood gases (ABGs), it's essential to understand what the normal values are. Normal blood gas values guide us in identifying abnormalities and making appropriate clinical decisions.
The primary components to focus on are:
  • **pH**: The normal range for pH is between 7.35 to 7.45. This value reflects the acidity or alkalinity of the blood.
  • **CO2 (carbon dioxide)**: The normal level for CO2 is between 35 to 45 mm Hg. CO2 is a crucial component for evaluating respiratory function.
  • **HCO3 (bicarbonate)**: Normal HCO3 levels range from 22 to 26 mEq/L. This value is essential for assessing the metabolic component of acid-base balance.
  • **PaO2 (partial pressure of oxygen)**: Normal PaO2 levels range from 80 to 100 mm Hg. This measure indicates the oxygenation status of the blood.
Understanding these values is the foundation for evaluating any abnormalities in blood gases.
Acid-Base Homeostasis
Acid-base homeostasis is the body's mechanism for maintaining a stable pH in the blood. It鈥檚 a balance between acids and bases conserved mainly by the kidneys and lungs.
Here's how the body achieves this balance:
  • The **lungs** regulate CO2 levels through breathing. They can quickly respond to changes by either increasing or decreasing the breathing rate.
  • The **kidneys** regulate HCO3 levels by either excreting or conserving bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. Their response is slower compared to the lungs but essential for long-term maintenance.
Together, these two organs work seamlessly to keep the blood pH within the narrow normal range, ensuring our body's internal environment remains stable and functioning optimally.
Respiratory and Metabolic Acidosis and Alkalosis
When the body's mechanisms for maintaining pH fail, it can result in acidosis or alkalosis. These can be either respiratory or metabolic.
  • **Respiratory acidosis**: Occurs when there's an excess of CO2 in the blood due to hypoventilation. It results in a decrease in blood pH (below 7.35).
  • **Respiratory alkalosis**: Happens when there's a deficit of CO2 due to hyperventilation. It results in an increase in blood pH (above 7.45).
  • **Metabolic acidosis**: Characterized by a decrease in HCO3 or an addition of acids that lowers blood pH. Common causes include kidney failure and diabetic ketoacidosis.
  • **Metabolic alkalosis**: Occurs when there's an excess of HCO3 or a loss of acids, increasing blood pH. Causes include prolonged vomiting or excessive bicarbonate intake.
Understanding these conditions is crucial for diagnosing and treating patients effectively. In our example exercise, all the values are within the normal range, indicating the patient is in a state of homeostasis without any acid-base imbalance.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

A child has been admitted to the hospital unit for gastroenteritis. The child has been having diarrhea for 3 days and is moderately severely dehydrated. The stool cultures indicate a rotovirus as the cause of the diarrhea. The mother questions the nurse why her child isn鈥檛 on antibiotics like the other children on the unit with GE. The nurse鈥檚 response would be based on the knowledge that: A. antibiotics will make the diarrhea worse. B. the diarrhea has probably already run its course. C. antibiotics are not used for rotovirus gastroenteritis. D. the child is too dehydrated for antibiotics to be effective.

A nurse is working in the labor and delivery unit. The nurse assesses all the laboring clients and notes that one has a small baby in breech position, one has a large baby who is engaged, one has an average sized infant in a transverse lie, and the last has an average sized infant with a floating head. Which client will the nurse definitely have to prepare for a cesarean delivery? The client with the A. small baby in breech position B. large baby who is engaged C. average sized infant in transverse lie D. average sized infant with a floating head

Using the Parkland formula ( \(4 \mathrm{ml}\) of lactated ringer's solution/\% TBSA burn/kg body weight/24 hours), the nurse would calculate fluid replacement for a \(70-\mathrm{kg}\) client with a \(50 \%\) TBSA burn over 24 hours as A. \(1400 \mathrm{ml}\) B. \(14,000 \mathrm{ml}\) C. \(6720 \mathrm{ml}\) D. \(700 \mathrm{ml}\)

A client with schizophrenia says 鈥渟kipping, whipping, tripping鈥� over and over during his waking hours. Which would be a correct label for the nurse to use when documenting this communication? A. word salad B. clang association C. neologism D. echolalia

A child is being treated for bacterial meningitis. Nursing interventions would include: A. forcing fluids. B. positioning in Trendelenburg position. C. maintaining a brightly lit room to observe for seizures. D. maintaining respiratory isolation for 24鈥�48 hours after antibiotics are started.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

Biological Processes

Read Explanation

Bioenergetics

Read Explanation

Responding to Change

Read Explanation

Microbiology

Read Explanation

Cells

Read Explanation

Cell Cycle

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.