Arterial Blood Gas Analysis

1. A 54-year-old male with a long history of smoking complains of excessive tiredness and shortness of breath. Lab results reveal decreased pH, increased pCO₂, and normal bicarbonate ion. The most likely diagnosis is:

A. respiratory alkalosis

B. metabolic acidosis

C. respiratory acidosis

D. metabolic alkalosis

These results indicate hypoventilation which results in respiratory acidosis

Explanation

These results indicate hypoventilation which results in respiratory acidosis

About This Quiz

This quiz is designed as a pretest to determine retention of prior knowledge regarding arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis.

2. Metabolic alkalosis may be caused by vomiting.

True

False

Due to the losss of gastric acid

Explanation

Due to the losss of gastric acid

3. In analyzing the results of a patient's blood gas analysis, the nurse will be most concerned about an:

A. Arterial oxygen tension (PO2) of 60 mm Hg

B. Arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) of 92%

C. Arterial carbon dioxide (PCO2) of 42 mm Hg

D. Arterial bicarbonate level (HCO3) of 26 mEq/L

The PO2 is an abnormal level and indicates decreasing oxygen available to the cells. This would require administration of oxygen.

Explanation

The PO2 is an abnormal level and indicates decreasing oxygen available to the cells. This would require administration of oxygen.

4. The patient's ABG results indicate metabolic acidosis. Which of the following conditions may have contributed to these results?

A. Nasogastric suctioning

B. Diuretic use

C. Diarrhea

There is a loss of bicarbonate ion with diarrhea causing metabolic acidosis. The other examples would lead to a loss of acid leading to metabolic alkalosis.

Explanation

There is a loss of bicarbonate ion with diarrhea causing metabolic acidosis. The other examples would lead to a loss of acid leading to metabolic alkalosis.

5. A patient is coming to the emergency department with a diagnosis of an opioid overdose. The nurse would anticipate that the patient's PCO₂ will be:

Opioid overdosage results in hypoventilation and the retention of PCO2

Explanation

Opioid overdosage results in hypoventilation and the retention of PCO2

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Apr 17, 2024

Quiz Edited by
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Jul 19, 2011

Quiz Created by
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