Alvin with a massive pulmonary embolism will have an arterial blood gas analysis performed to determine the extent of hypoxia. The acid-base disorder that may be present is?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis
Correct Answer: D. Respiratory alkalosis
A client with massive pulmonary embolism will have a large region and blow off large amounts of carbon dioxide, which crosses the unaffected alveolar-capillary membrane more readily than does oxygen and results in respiratory alkalosis.
Option A: Large amounts of carbon dioxide are blown off, removing the option of metabolic acidosis.
Option B: Respiratory, not metabolic, alkalosis is the result of a massive pulmonary embolism.
Option C: Acidosis does not occur with pulmonary embolism. Hypocapnia usually is present with an embolism.