Interpretation
Signs and Symptoms
Treatment
100

pH: 7.52, PCO2: 28, HCO3: 24

What is Respiratory Alkalosis

100

Your patient has type 1 diabetes, Kussmauls respirations, and diarrhea. What imbalance do you anticipate?

Metabolic Acidosis

100

What is the treatment for a patient who is anxious, hyperventilating, and in respiratory alkalosis?

Encourage slow controlled breathing, correct hypoxemia, CT to r/o PE

200

pH: 7.51, CO2: 42, HCO3: 34

What is Metabolic Alkalosis

200

Your patient has a small bowel obstruction and high NG tube output. What imbalance do you anticipate?

Metabolic Alkalosis

200

What is the treatment for a patient who has severe vomiting, lots of NG output and in metabolic alkalosis?

Replace fluids and electrolytes, adjust suction as needed, antiemetics.

300

pH: 7.22, CO2: 68, HCO3: 26, PaO2: 70

What is Respiratory Acidosis

300

Your patient has pneumonia with new onset confusion and lactate 5.2. What imbalance do you anticipate?

Metabolic Acidosis

300

What is the treatment for a patient in Septic Shock in metabolic acidosis?

Replace fluids (30 mL/kg), antibiotics. 

400

pH: 7.12, PCO2: 22, HCO3: 14

What is Partially Compensated Metabolic Acidosis

400

Your patient is unresponsive with pinpoint pupils and RR 6. What imbalance do you anticipate?

What is Respiratory Acidosis

400

What are the treatments for a patient who has overdosed on narcotics and is in respiratory acidosis?

Naloxone (Narcan) and improve ventilation.

500

pH: 7.30, CO2: 58, HCO3: 30, PaO2: 62

What is Partially Compensated Respiratory Acidosis

500

Your patient is anxious, c/o chest tightness and shortness of breath. What imbalance do you anticipate?

Respiratory Alkalosis

500

What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with COPD and ABG: pH 7.28, PCO2 of 78, HCO3 of 30?

BiPap or mechanical ventilation if worsening. 

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