Category Archives: Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation Practice

Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation Q 11

A patient who is hospitalized due to vomiting and a decreased level of consciousness displays slow and deep (Kussmaul breathing), and he is lethargic and irritable in response to stimulation. The doctor diagnosed him of having dehydration. Measurement of arterial blood gas shows pH 7.0, PaO2 90 mm Hg, PaCO2 22 mm Hg, and HCO3 14… Read More »

Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation Q 12

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 7.34, PaCO2 24, HCO3- 20      A. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated      B. Metabolic Acidosis, Partially Compensated      C. Metabolic Acidosis, Uncompensated      D. Metabolic Alkalosis,… Read More »

Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation Q 13

A company driver is found at the scene of an automobile accident in a state of emotional distress. He tells the paramedics that he feels dizzy, tingling in his fingertips, and does not remember what happened to his car. Respiratory rate is rapid at 34/minute. Which primary acid-base disturbance is the young man at risk… Read More »

Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation Q 14

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 7.64, PaCO2 25, HCO3- 19      A. Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated      B. Respiratory Alkalosis, Partially Compensated      C. Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated      D. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially… Read More »

Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation Q 15

An elderly client was admitted to hospital in a coma. Analysis of the arterial blood gave the following values: PCO2 16 mm Hg, HCO3- 5 mmol/L and pH 7.1. As a well-rounded nurse, you know that the normal value for HCO3 is:         A. 20 mmol/L      B. 24 mmol/L      C. 29 mmol/L      D. 31… Read More »

Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation Q 16

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 7.45, PaCO2 50, HCO3- 30      A. Metabolic Alkalosis, Fully Compensated      B. Respiratory Alkalosis, Fully Compensated      C. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated      D. Respiratory… Read More »

Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation Q 17

In a patient undergoing surgery, it was vital to aspirate the contents of the upper gastrointestinal tract. After the operation, the following values were acquired from an arterial blood sample: pH 7.55, PCO2 52 mm Hg and HCO3- 40 mmol/l. What is the underlying disorder?         A. Respiratory Acidosis      B. Respiratory Alkalosis      C. Metabolic Acidosis… Read More »

Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation Q 18

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 7.6, PaCO2 53, HCO3- 38      A. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated      B. Metabolic Alkalosis, Fully Compensated      C. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated      D. Respiratory… Read More »

Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation Q 20

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 7.5, PaCO2 19, HCO3- 22      A. Respiratory Alkalosis, Partially Compensated      B. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated      C. Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated      D. Respiratory Alkalosis,… Read More »