George Kent is a 54-year-old widower with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and was rushed to the emergency department with increasing shortness of breath, pyrexia, and a productive cough with yellow-green sputum. He has difficulty communicating because of his inability to complete a sentence. One of his sons, Jacob, says he has been… Read More »
In acid-base balance, the normal plasma PCO2 and bicarbonate levels are disturbed. Match the changes in this parameter with the disorders in the given choices: Low plasma PaCO2 A. Metabolic Acidosis B. Respiratory Alkalosis C. Metabolic Alkalosis D. Respiratory Acidosis Correct Answer: B. Respiratory Alkalosis Excessive pulmonary ventilation… Read More »
Anne, who is drinking beer at a party, falls and hits her head on the ground. Her friend Liza dials “911” because Anne is unconscious, depressed ventilation (shallow and slow respirations), rapid heart rate, and is profusely bleeding from both ears. Which primary acid-base imbalance is Anne at risk for if medical attention is not… Read More »
Acids have no hydrogen ions and are able to bind in a solution. A. True B. False C. Acid is a substance that is not capable of donating hydrogen ions. D. Acids and bases have nothing to do with hydrogen ions. Correct Answer: B. False Acids are… Read More »
Match the acid-base status of the following blood samples to the disorders in the given choices. (PaCO2 values are in mm Hg and bicarbonate values in mmol/l). pH 7.57, PaCO2 22, HCO3- 17 A. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated B. Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated C. Metabolic Acidosis, Partially Compensated D. Respiratory Alkalosis,… Read More »
Dave, a 6-year-old boy, was rushed to the hospital following her mother’s complaint that her son has been vomiting, nauseated and has overall weakness. After a series of tests, the nurse notes the laboratory results: potassium: 2.9 mEq. Which primary acid-base imbalance is this boy at risk for if medical intervention is not carried out? A.… Read More »
An old beggar was admitted to the emergency department due to shortness of breath, fever, and a productive cough. Upon examination, crackles and wheezes are noted in the lower lobes; he appears to be tachycardic and has a bounding pulse. Measurement of arterial blood gas shows pH 7.2, PaCO2 66 mm Hg, HCO3 27 mmol/L, and… Read More »
Match the acid-base status of the following blood samples to the disorders in the given choices. (PaCO2 values are in mm Hg and bicarbonate values in mmol/l). pH 7.55, PaCO2 25, HCO3- 22 A. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated B. Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated C. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated D. Metabolic Acidosis,… Read More »
Liza’s mother is seen in the emergency department at a community hospital. She admits that her mother is taking many tablets of aspirin (salicylates) over the last 24-hour period because of a severe headache. Also, the mother complains of an inability to urinate. The nurse on duty took her vital signs and noted the following: Temp… Read More »
Match the acid-base status of the following blood samples to the disorders in the given choices. (PaCO2 values are in mm Hg and bicarbonate values in mmol/l). pH 7.17, PaCO2 48, HCO3- 36 A. Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated B. Metabolic Acidosis, Partially Compensated C. Respiratory Alkalosis, Partially Compensated D. Respiratory Acidosis,… Read More »